When humidity and moisture are not effectively controlled, persistent dampness can lead to material damage, corrosion, structural decay, and microbial growth. HVAC contractors can play an integral part in slowing the development of such problems, but how?

The Coleman® brand has expanded its line of residential steam humidifiers with the Echelon™ Model 8000. The whole-home humidifier, which uses electricity to boil the water, features a precise control algorithm that manages the water level to ensure 11.5 A of electricity is used during operation.

Ranging from 18- to 140-ton units, the Protocol (NP) Series indoor swimming pool dehumidifiers provide energy-efficient natatorium space heating/cooling and optimum humidity control, while also offering free pool water heating and reheat through heat recovery.

Designed specifically to safely and efficiently clean all types of ductwork, most importantly flexible ductwork, the aiR+® XP Professional Air Duct Cleaning Machine is lightweight and portable, giving the user easy access into attics, basements, and crawl spaces, the company said.

The Tubular Rack UV System (TRS) is a commercial germicidal UV light IAQ product. The system is designed for effective microbial disinfection in new construction and retrofit IAQ industrial and commercial applications, such as hospitals, schools, office buildings, and other facilities.

Aldrich Hall is a 102,825-square-foot classroom serving the Harvard Business School’s MBA program. The building, originally built in 1955, recently completed a three-phase gut renovation. What did it entail?

Model 4000 Large Bypass WaterSaver Humidifier expands the line of Coleman® Echelon™ humidifiers. A patented water delivery system features a small float chamber that eliminates the need for a reservoir in the whole-house humidifier. A wicking water panel wicks water from the bottom of the panel toward the top.

Sometimes we do things with one goal in mind and find that we get the opposite, unintended result. Such experiences have been all too frequent in my consulting practice in a coastal environment. In the process of trying to do a better job of controlling indoor residential humidity, we actually can make the situation worse.

As more homeowners begin to understand that controlling humidity is crucial to comfort, interest in humidification and dehumidification solutions has continued to grow. Rick Tullis, president, Capstone Mechanical, said contractors should be aware of the factors that limit mold’s ability to multiply throughout an indoor environment.

If a house is sealed tight with spray foam insulation, it is much harder for moisture to leave the house naturally. While most spray-foam homes are required to have some form of mechanical ventilation (ventilation to ASHRAE 62.2 Standard is recommended), there are many questions on how best to provide it.