Mold is a continuously growing threat for multi-family housing as building codes become more energy efficient and construction envelopes become tighter. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) recognizes the increasing problem of mold and has offered an alternative to counter solve this recurring issue: a fixed dehumidifier. Fixed dehumidifiers not only help reduce the risk of mold but are beneficial to the tenant’s health and well-being by improving air quality while economical and efficient for owners.
Although tenant activities cannot be controlled, a fixed dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air, reducing high indoor Relative Humidity (RH) below 60%. Mold growth is limited when the RH is under 60%. This is why controlling moisture with a fixed dehumidifier helps in preventing the formation of mold. Although ducted range hoods help control the immediate moisture released into the air from cooking, they are limited to how much moisture they draw from the entire apartment and are not designed to lower RH throughout the day. Worse yet, they only ventilate if the tenant decides to turn it on.
Innovative Dehumidifier Systems are the pioneers of fixed dehumidifiers. They created the IW25 in wall dehumidifier in 2012, and designed it to install directly in between wall studs. The IW25-4 is an ENERGY STAR® Certified dehumidifier and runs independently of other HVAC systems. The unit removes moisture in smaller spaces (up to 1500 square feet) allowing for a hands-off dehumidification system that aids in mold prevention. It is tankless and drains directly into a hub drain or other plumbing source. It includes a concealed humidistat which turns the dehumidifier on and off as needed to maintain a RH under 60%.
Initial costs of the IW25 and ducted range hoods are comparable, although long term benefits of the IW25 far surpass ducted range hoods. Our fixed dehumidifier helps reduce moisture through dehumidification and humidity removal. Managing indoor moisture levels can remedy the high costs associated with mold remediation and property damage. There are benefits to utilizing the QAP’s updated recommendations. Install the fixed IW25 in-wall dehumidifier to avoid the downward spiral caused by mold; from headaches, cleanup, litigation, structural damage, and more!
