In our experience we’ve found that Fan Coil Units, (the heating and cooling unit that is in your apartment), are one of the most commonly installed Heating, Air Conditioning & Ventilation systems in Condos here in Southern Ontario and are, by far, the worst offender when it comes to active mold sources in a typical condo.

And it’s not just the units themselves…it’s the usually the entire warm / cold air distribution system that has become a problem. Your HVAC fan coil acts as a high moisture environment, just blowing out mold spores into your air space…and we’ve seen many, many condos with mold issues as a result.

In the summer, the humidity inside the fan coil unit increases due to condensation on the copper water lines. Hence, your HVAC system creates a suitable condition for prolific mold growth. Due to excessive humidity inside fan coil cabinets, these HVAC units are an ideal breeding ground for mould growth. But the regular yearly maintainence that your condo management team may provide is not enough. The regular filter replacement that is provided does not help prevent the spread of mold, only a HEPA filter will do that. But we find that existing fan coil units are not designed to accomodate the addition of a HEPA filter…it causes additional strain on the motor that drive the unit.

We see entire distribution systems covered on the inside with mold growth. We see the interiors of HVAC fancoil units dripping with water and mold growing on wires and internal equipment. We’ve had to change our interior black duct liner systems because that are beyond saving they are so black with mold. Here is a University of Toronto paper on Fan Coil contamination and the severity of the issue.