Possible Mold Issue

[TexTexTex]

Hello All,

Just signed a lease on a town home here in Houston and moved in about two weeks ago. After about a week after move-in, my SO and I started noticing a mildew smell and the feeling of "stagnant" air. In response, I purchased 3 hygrometers to measure the humidity on each floor. After a few days it was apparent that the home is averaging above 60% humidity most of the time, reaching as high at  76% at certain times.

When I starting discovering this, the worry started setting in. I started scoping the house to see if there was any signs of mold. I've not found anything definitive yet, but when I eventually made my way into the attic, I did notice the unit had condensation and what appears to be mold that is black in color. Pics will be below.

I've started to inspect the air vents (including the returns) and no signs of mildew or mold around them, although I have not removed them to check deeper.

The landlord told me that they have to pour a cup of bleach down the master bedroom sink once a month and then chase it with hot water 15 minutes afterwards to prevent the AC drain from clogging up. In fact, the first week I was here the AC clogged up and the plumber came out and cleared it.

In addition to this issue, there is presence of "springtails" a tiny bug that is harmless, but annoying. They apparently show up when their is a moisture issue.

With the combination of these two issues, I'm starting to worry that I've got a real problem on my hands. Any advice on what type of steps I should take to document and get an experienced opinion? Any companies that are trustworthy?

I'm tempted to let the landlord know ASAP, but without giving any more details, I'm worried they may already be aware this was an issue and may not be interested in fixing it.

Lastly, I'm someone with Asthma so anything that involves respiratory issues is a priority to me.

I can provide additional pictures, if needed. The forum would only let me post one picture due to file size limits

[TexTexTex]

Pic #2

[TexTexTex]

Pic #3

[TexTexTex]

Pic #4

[GilesMM]

60% humidity is ok.  76% is too high.  You need to run the air conditioner to keep it dry. 


I can't load your photos but if there is black mold you should be concerned. You can get a testing kit on Amazon then I guess inform the landlord there is black mold (if there is) and you would like to break the lease.

[reeshau]

If it is mold, keep these things in mind:

https://texaslawhelp.org/article/faqs-mold-renters-rights-texas

[yachi]

The pictures look to show black-colored mold on surfaces of the ductwork and AC unit that had a white duct sealant applied to them.  Is this unit in an unconditioned/uninsulated space?  If so, the metal surface is getting cold enough to condense the surrounding air, providing the moisture for this growth.  Ideally, you want all that ductwork and equipment in a conditioned space.  If that's not possible, the next best thing is to insulate around it so the surface in contact with the unconditioned air isn't cold enough to condense the air.  Where condensation from the outside of these surfaces drips down onto your ceiling isn't controlled.

It's normal to have to flush AC condensate drain with bleach periodically.  How much you have to do that depends on the size of the drains and how much use the AC gets.  Because the AC condensate is water dropping out of the air, it includes no chemicals to prevent drain-clogging growth.

[TexTexTex]

The pictures look to show black-colored mold on surfaces of the ductwork and AC unit that had a white duct sealant applied to them.  Is this unit in an unconditioned/uninsulated space?  If so, the metal surface is getting cold enough to condense the surrounding air, providing the moisture for this growth.  Ideally, you want all that ductwork and equipment in a conditioned space.  If that's not possible, the next best thing is to insulate around it so the surface in contact with the unconditioned air isn't cold enough to condense the air.  Where condensation from the outside of these surfaces drips down onto your ceiling isn't controlled.

It's normal to have to flush AC condensate drain with bleach periodically.  How much you have to do that depends on the size of the drains and how much use the AC gets.  Because the AC condensate is water dropping out of the air, it includes no chemicals to prevent drain-clogging growth.

This is located in the attic of the townhome. The attic is not warm and does not have AC up there, if that’s what you’re asking.

[TexTexTex]

60% humidity is ok.  76% is too high.  You need to run the air conditioner to keep it dry. 


I can't load your photos but if there is black mold you should be concerned. You can get a testing kit on Amazon then I guess inform the landlord there is black mold (if there is) and you would like to break the lease.

I want to clarify that the AC has been running 24/7 for the last 2 weeks without stopping. A few days I even changed the HVAC fan from “auto” to “on” in hopes it would better circulate air.

[GilesMM]

60% humidity is ok.  76% is too high.  You need to run the air conditioner to keep it dry. 


I can't load your photos but if there is black mold you should be concerned. You can get a testing kit on Amazon then I guess inform the landlord there is black mold (if there is) and you would like to break the lease.

I want to clarify that the AC has been running 24/7 for the last 2 weeks without stopping. A few days I even changed the HVAC fan from “auto” to “on” in hopes it would better circulate air.

Something is seriously wrong with the AC if it is running constantly and also if it runs constantly and the humidity is 76%.  It needs repair most likely.

[ChpBstrd]

60% humidity is ok.  76% is too high.  You need to run the air conditioner to keep it dry. 

I can't load your photos but if there is black mold you should be concerned. You can get a testing kit on Amazon then I guess inform the landlord there is black mold (if there is) and you would like to break the lease.

I want to clarify that the AC has been running 24/7 for the last 2 weeks without stopping. A few days I even changed the HVAC fan from “auto” to “on” in hopes it would better circulate air.

Something is seriously wrong with the AC if it is running constantly and also if it runs constantly and the humidity is 76%.  It needs repair most likely.

Yes, this is exactly the issue we were having prior to replacing our heat pump. It was running a lot (not 24/7 but often) and blowing only semi-cool air. The coils were not getting cold enough for water to condensate upon them, and so it was ineffective as a dehumidifier. Humidity was in the 70's.

I put in an old 5000 btu window unit and ran it 24/7 in the summer while waiting for the HVAC work and it pulled the whole 3br house down to 55% at 77 degrees interior temperature (95 exterior). You might consider this as an immediately effective option if you don't want to move or fight your landlord. Pick one up on Marketplace for $50. However do note that these offer almost no air filtration and might leave your house cold in the winter. Also be very careful to angle it right so it doesn't drain to the interior!

One quick note. DO NOT trust a cheap hygrometer. The plastic one I bought from Home Depot for $10 sometimes showed 10% higher relative humidity than an old brass one I picked up at a yard sale. It didn't even feel right. So I trashed the plastic one and breathed a sigh of relief.