Mold is all around us and in every breath we take. It plays an important role in the natural process of decay and is used to make everything from cheese to penicillin. If allowed to grow unchecked inside your home, however, mold can result in damage to both the structure and your health. Exposure to most mold usually only causes minor allergic reactions—such as sniffling, watery eyes, and sneezing—that subside a few hours after leaving the infected area. Some people are more sensitive than others and may experience a stronger reaction that can include difficulty breathing and asthma attacks. Several types of mold release toxic substances called mycotoxins. Exposure to high concentrations of mycotoxins from Stachybotrys (a greenish-black green mold that grows on cellulose material such as wallpaper, cardboard, and wallboard) or Chaetomium (a white to gray colored mold found on decaying wood and water damaged drywall) may lead to more severe health issues including chronic bronchitis, heart problems, and bleeding lungs.

There is still an ongoing debate in the scientific and medical community about the health effects of this so called “toxic” mold. Mold feeds off organic matter and requires a moist environment to grow. Typical areas where mold can accumulate in the home include: If the mold is limited to an area of less than 10 square feet, then you might be able to clean it up yourself. Areas larger than that should be handled by a professional. If you decide to enlist a professional, make sure they are trained and experienced in mold cleanup. It is also a good idea to request and check references from past jobs to determine the quality of their work. If you suspect mold in porous surfaces or carpets, it is best to throw them out. It is virtually impossible to get mold out of these materials. Since mold loves moisture, it’s important to remove the source of water to prevent it from returning. Potential problem areas to address to keep mold at bay include: When replacing your central air conditioning unit, be sure it is sized properly for the house and climate.

While an oversized unit will cool the house down faster, it won’t remove as much moisture from the air. You might also consider adding a dehumidifier to the central system if you live in a climate with high humidity or use a portable model for problem areas.ac units for hotel If your home still smells moldy or members of your family are having health issues, there could be a hidden mold problem. package ac heat unitsMold can grow unseen under wallpaper, dry wall, ceiling tiles, and in heating and air conditioner vents.american standard ac unit ratings If hidden mold is suspected, have the house inspected by a professional. If you think there might be mold in your HVAC system, do not run the unit until the problem has been solved. Though mold will always be with us, a little diligence on your part can help keep it in check.

Prevention and early detection are important, so catch it early and you’ll breathe easier.Sticking outside in all their boxy metallic ugliness, dripping onto passers-by, and blocking light and views indoors, window mounted air conditioners are as ubiquitous a feature of NYC apartment life as fire escapes and water towers.  (For more info, check out BrickUnderground's guide to all things window a/c).PTACs are usually installed when a building is constructed and hooked up to a building’s hot-water system.  Hot water produced by the boiler flows into the PTAC, and circulates the resulting heat into the apartment.  The PTAC has a separate chamber containing coolant that produces cool air.  They are vented to the outside through a cutout below the window typically covered with a metal grill, similar to a through-wall a/c, says Gary Cottam of Cottam Heating & Air Conditioning. 2. Choosing the right through-wall unitFriedrich, LG, GE, Amana, and Frigidaire are the most popular brands. 

There are standard calculations  to determine the number of BTUs you need--room size, ceiling height, amount of sunlight, number of occupants, and proximity to the kitchen.And don’t forget to jot down the voltage and amperage of the electrical plug, along with the capacity of the outlet the a/c will use.  If you’re buying a unit that requires more electrical power than your existing outlet can handle, you’re going to need an electrician to upgrade your wiring.  And that will require lots of permits along with permission from your landlord, or co-op or condo board.3. Installing a through-wall a/c where none has gone beforeAlthough cutting an opening through the masonry of an exterior wall is physically a relatively simple undertaking that costs around $2,000, like most things connected with New York City real estate you’ll have to get the requisite building and construction permits, permission from your landlord, co-op, or condo board, and maybe even an architect,  says Ranjit Singh, president of Cool Air Inc.Arline Kob, a principal at Key Real Estate Associates, which manages co-ops in New York, says that she’s “never known a co-op board to allow the installation of a through-the-wall unit where none exists.” 

The board would be concerned about façade uniformity and breaking the seal of the building’s exterior. If your board is through-wall-friendly, you will be expected to install an exterior grille that matches existing ones and lines up to them, says property manager Michael Wolfe of Midboro Management.  The grilles will also need to be flush with the building's facade and the building's architect or engineer will need to review the proposed installation.In addition, says Kob, "the resident and future buyers, not the co-op, would be responsible for maintaining the newly installed sleeve and the wall into which it was cut.  That includes damage to surrounding apartments that may result.”If you live in a landmarked building or district you’ll have to get the go ahead from the Landmarks Preservation Commission too.  Good luck with that, especially if the altered wall will be visible from the street.  “Landmarks would never allow it,” says Kob.Because a PTAC is hooked up to the building’s water, the units need to be rigorously maintained to get rid of clogs that can cause leaks.

These can go unnoticed for long periods of time, causing floors and walls to buckle and often damaging apartments below the one in which it’s housed. Damage from PTAC units is, in fact, among the most common apartment insurance claims in New York City, says Jeff Schneider of Gotham Brokerage, with an average claim size of $5,000.In addition, PTAC units are prone to the musty, mildew-y odor known as 'dirty sock syndrome', which is generally thought to be caused by bacteria and mold accumulating on heat pumps.  The PTAC’s dual heating and cooling functions make them susceptible to it. Frequent professional cleaning can help sometimes, but the problem has no good solution; the very nature of the PTAC unit makes it susceptible.  Summer's coming: Here's what you need to know as a/c season nearsThe Appliance Doctor: Quick fixes for impatient New Yorkers in a high-end appliance worldIs spending $350 to get your a/c cleaned worth it?Care for some mold with that a/c?Dear Ms. Demeanor: Irreconcilable air-conditioning differences3 ways to get around a/c-unfriendly window barsAsk an Expert: Best apartments for central a/c?