System and method for preventing growth of mold or mildew in a building
A system for preventing growth of mold and mildew in buildings comprises an air diffusion device covering an opening of a heating ventilation and air conditioning duct. A heating cable is affixed to a flange of the air diffusion device that extends along a periphery of a screen covering the opening. The cable is activated to heat the surfaces of the air diffusion device to a temperature above dew point and prevent condensation.
This application claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/498,206, filed on Aug. 26, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention pertains, generally, to heating ventilation and air conditioning systems. More specifically, the invention pertains to those problems associated with the growth of mold and mildew on or around such systems.
Mold and mildew growth in buildings is a serious problem. In particular, areas in close proximity to large bodies, and/or areas having high or consistent humidity, experience problems with the growth of mold and mildew in buildings. Condensation forms on surfaces, for example heating ventilation and/or air conditioning vents in buildings, which are below dew point temperature and are exposed to warm, humid air. These surfaces may contain dust or dirt, which is a food source for the growth mold and mildew.
Common mold and mildew grows in temperatures ranging from about forty degrees to one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit, which includes the typical environment in which people live. When condensation forms on an interior surface of a building an environment is created for the growth of mold or mildew. Mold growth is typically eliminated by removal of fungi spores, which is performed by sophisticated HVAC filtration systems. However, a need exists for an inexpensive system and method for controlling the growth of mold and mildew.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention for the system for preventing the growth of mold or mildew comprises an air diffusion device for covering an opening in a wall and/or at the end of a ventilation duct. The air diffusion device has at least one flange extending along at least a portion of a screen on the air diffusion device that covers the opening. At least one heating cable is affixed to the flange. When the heating cable is activated it raises the surface temperature of the flange and/or other parts of the air diffusion device above a dew point preventing condensation from forming on or near the air diffusion device. The term “dew point” is the temperature at which water vapor condenses onto a surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The system 10 is shown in the sectional view illustrated in
The air diffusion device 11 includes a screen 25 that covers the opening 12. The term screen as used in this disclosure includes a covering that has openings through which air may pass, and may include a perforated metal covering. The embodiment shown in
The air diffusion device 11 includes at least one flange that extends along at least a portion of a periphery of the screen 25 or vanes 18. The air diffusion device 11 shown in
In the embodiment shown in
The heating cable 14 may be a standard heating cable that is used for heating pipes and having a voltage rating ranging from about 120 volts to about 240 volts AC power. Such heating cables are available at known wholesale distributors and building/home supply stores, such as, W. W. Grainger, Johnstone Supply, Home Depot or Lowe's. Lower voltage heating cables, i.e., 24 volts AC or DC power, may be desirable because such a lower voltage cable typically is not required to be contained within a conduit.
The heating cables 14 typically include electrical leads 20 that are connected to a junction box 21 mounted on an interior of the building wall 13. A power cable 22 is connected from the power junction box 21 to a power source 24 for the activation of the heating cable 14. The size of the heating cable 14 will depend, in part, on the size of the air diffusion device 11, and the amount of surface area to be heated. The heating cable 14 selected should be such that it raises the surface temperature of the air diffusion device 11 to a temperature exceeding dew point temperature.
The practice of the method includes the step of applying the heating cable 14 to the surface of the air diffusion device 11. The heating cable 14 is then activated to elevate a temperature surface of the air diffusion device 11. In doing so, the surface temperature of the diffuser is raised to a point exceeding dew point temperature. An additional benefit is that the air discharged from the HVAC system is further dried. When warm or hot, humid and wet air is allowed into the room the moisture in the room air will not condense on, at, or near the air diffusion device, which would otherwise create an environment for the growth of mildew or mold.
While the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiment, but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system for preventing growth of mold and mildew in a building or air conditioning system for a building, comprising:
- a. at least one air diffusion device covering an opening in a duct of a heating ventilation or air conditioning system of a building through which conditioned air is discharged, and the air diffusion device having a screen covering the opening and a flange extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the screen; and,
- b. at least one electric heating cable affixed to a surface of the flange of the air diffusion device and surrounding at least a portion of the screen for heating the air diffusion device to a temperature above a dew point of ambient air in the building.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the air diffusion device is mounted on a wall having an opening in fluid communication with the duct.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the air diffusion device includes a first flange fastened to the wall and a second flange disposed substantially perpendicular to the first flange for alignment of the air diffusion device where the duct and the heating cable is capable of being attached to either the first flange or second flange.
4. A method for preventing the growth of mold or mildew in a building, comprising the steps of:
- a. mounting at least one air diffusion device over an opening in of a duct of a heating, ventilation or air conditioning system of a building; and,
- b. elevating a temperature of a surface of the air diffusion device above a predetermined dew point temperature of ambient air in the building.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein in the temperature elevating step comprises applying an electrical heat source to a surface of the air diffusion device.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of elevating the temperature includes applying an electric heating cable to a surface of the air diffusion device and activating the heating cable with an electrical current to increase a temperature of the surface of the air diffusion device.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of elevating the temperature includes elevating the temperature of one or more surfaces of the air diffusion device above the dew point temperature of the surrounding environment.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 25, 2004
Publication Date: Apr 21, 2005
Inventor: Bruce Hall (Apopka, FL)
Application Number: 10/926,242