As Certified NADCA VSMR (Ventilation System Mold Remediator), Western Indoor Environmental Services provides mold investigation and remediation services for residential and commercial HVAC Systems.

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Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results.

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Western Indoor Environmental Services uses 3 methods to investigate whether microbial/mold growth is prevalent in the HVAC system.

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The first is the obvious visual inspection. If you can see that mold is present, you do not need a surface or air sample, unless you are interested in knowing the type of mold present.

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The second is surface sampling. Once again, as a rule, surface samples may be unnecessary. Seeing visible mold growth indoors is usually enough to confirm that there is a mold problem. Mold should never be growing on any construction materials indoors or on anything stored indoors. Occasionally however, it can be difficult to distinguish the difference between mold and dirt with a visual inspection alone. For that reason, it is important to define your objective before deciding on whether or not to sample a surface for mold.

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The third method is air sampling. You may not be able to see it but, the time to test for mold is when you suspect you might have a mold problem. If you smell musty odors indoors, you have a reason to have a mold inspection. If you've had a roof leak, a plumbing leak, or a flood (past or present) a mold testing is certainly warranted. Prompt action can mean the difference between an inexpensive repair project or a several thousand dollar mold remediation job and health implications.

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For more information or to request a test, please contact us directly.