TECHNICAL FEATURE IMPROVING HVAC SUSTAINABILITY AND PERFORMANCE Avoiding Wet & Moldy AHUs In Critical-Care Facilities BY DAVID SCHURK, LIFE MEMBER ASHRAE A nyone who has experienced the wet inside an HVAC air-handling unit (AHU) serving criticalcare environments knows this situation can create a breeding ground for mold and microbial growth, an unacceptable condition particularly when serving hospital patient care areas or other such sensitive settings. Engineering controls outlined in this article are intended to positively impact both the performance and hygiene of air-handling systems by improving a building's indoor air quality, helping protect exposed occupants from airborne and surface source contaminants and improving building sustainability. David Schurk is director of Healthcare and Applied Engineering Markets for Innovative Air Technologies, in Covington, Ga. N OVEMBER 2 0 2 3 ashrae.org ASHRAE JOURNAL 29 ISTOCK.COM/JOHNNYGREIG, ISTOCK.COM/STYLE-PHOTOGRAPHYhttp://www.ISTOCK.COM/STYLE-PHOTOGRAPHY http://www.ISTOCK.COM/JOHNNYGREIG http://www.ashrae.org