Removing mold from SAF

[Birchwood]

What we thought was sponge rubber particles flying out the registers now seems to be mold that's growing on the supply air fan and its cage in the large air handler.

Any ideas on how to clean it? The fan itself seems to have a housing that we could wetvac out the bottom, if we chose to power wash the interior. The air handler is insolated on the interior, including floor, so any overspray would be problematic. It would take way too much effort to disassemble the fan, and can't reach its exterior because of the housing/shroud.

Anyone else face this? This unit has been in operation for about 5 years, so we'll probably have to repeat every 3 years unless we can inhibit future mold growth.

This mold wipes off easily, may be partially composed of really tiny dust particles. I'm wondering if spraying with some kind of foam will remove it without spreading it too much.

 

[imok2]

Mold and Mildew Remediation, Mold Control, and Mold and Mildew Removal Protocol (using non-toxic, natural products & procedures)

Try this

http://www.moldremovalchemicals.com/

 

[EEJaime]

This is currently a very contentious and litigious issue. What type of space is this serving? If it is serving occupied spaces, especially with children or the elderly involved, I would not take on the liability. I recommend hiring a remediation specialist and get this done professionally. The health hazards attributed to mold in HVAC systems have exploded in recent years. We had someone shut down a school because there were minor amounts of mold found in some A/C unit pre-coolers.

This is one time to pass the buck if you possible can.

Good Luck

 

[Birchwood]

Ran some trials. There are a few spots of obvious mold here and there on the housing, but the blades themselves have a dust colored coating about 3/8" thick, that wipes up greasy. There may not be any actual mold in that.

Anyone ever seen similar?

 

[MintJulep]

Step 1 is figure out what you are dealing with.

As others have noted, mold is a law suit magnet.

You need to send samples to a lab and find out if you have actively growing mold. I guarantee that there will be mold spores - you need to know if they are having a party.

3/8" of greasy crud in five years on a fan is bad. You need to find the defects in the system.

 

[EEJaime]

Does this serve a kitchen? That is a lot of greasy crud. Not a good thing at all. If it's mold, I would look for a nuclear power plant nearby! Something is growing it.