Air Handler & Ductwork
HVAC mold inspection, the #1 hidden vector in Florida buildings.
More than half of indoor mold contamination in Florida originates from the HVAC system, coil condensation, plenum growth, return-side leakage, and ductwork moisture. A standard mold inspection covers HVAC visually, but the HVAC Health Check is a focused deep-dive for buildings where the air handler is the suspected vector.
1 Laboratory Sample Included Typically a surface swab from the air handler
What is an HVAC mold inspection?
An HVAC mold inspection is a focused assessment of the air handler interior, evaporator coil, condensate pan and drain line, blower wheel, supply plenum, and accessible ductwork, to identify mold growth or moisture conditions inside the air-conditioning system. The system is the single most-overlooked vector for indoor mold in Florida buildings because it runs nine months a year and conditions the humidity in every wall cavity and ceiling assembly. The inspection includes visual scoping plus a coil or pan surface sample sent to an accredited laboratory.
What it covers
What's included.
- Air handler cabinet. Coil, plenum, and blower wheel inspected for mold growth and the condensation conditions that feed it.
- Condensate drain and pan. The drain line and pan, where standing water and biofilm start, are checked for backup and growth.
- Return-side ductwork. Visual and moisture check of the return, the side that pulls unconditioned, often humid air into the system.
- Supply ductwork and registers. Visual inspection with targeted sampling where growth is visible or suspected.
- Negative-pressure verification. Where applicable, confirms the system is not drawing contaminated air from attics, wall cavities, or crawlspaces.
- Included surface sample. One coil, plenum, or register surface swab is included and sent to an accredited laboratory.
Optional lab testing
Testing you can add.
One laboratory sample, typically a coil or plenum surface swab, is included. When you need more than a single swab, any of these specialty panels can be added, and the cost is quoted up front:
- ERMI & HERTSMI-2 dust panels. DNA-based mold analysis scored against water-damaged-building markers, frequently requested for CIRS and MCAS medical documentation.
- Mycotoxin testing. Detects the toxins some molds produce, a different question than how many spores are present.
- Pathways™ biotoxin testing. An environmental biotoxin dust panel collected to manufacturer protocol.
- VOC & formaldehyde testing. Chemical off-gassing measurements for indoor-air-quality concerns beyond mold.
- Endotoxin testing. Bacterial-marker analysis for water-damaged or agricultural environments.
- Legionella water testing. Sampling of building water systems, cooling towers, potable water, spas, and fountains, for the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.
Add-on panels: ERMI, HERTSMI-2, mycotoxin, Pathways™, VOC, formaldehyde, endotoxin, and Legionella water testing. Every sample ships under chain of custody to an accredited third-party laboratory.
When you need it
Right scenarios for this service.
- Musty smell only when HVAC runs
- Visible black or green growth on supply registers
- Tenant or occupant complaints throughout the building
- Post-HVAC service when unsure if the system is contaminated
- Pre-purchase verification on systems older than 10 years
How an inspection actually works
Nine steps. Same scientific process, every property.
The depth of each step adapts to your situation. HVAC and borescope inspection happen when conditions warrant. Sampling is decided based on what your specific environment is asking, not a fixed checklist.
- 01
Consultation
We talk through what you’re seeing, the building, and the question you need answered. Free, no pressure, no upsell.
- 02
Visual inspection
Daniel personally walks every accessible space. No subcontractors.
- 03
Moisture mapping
Pin and pinless moisture meters identify elevated wall, floor, and substrate moisture invisible to the eye.
- 04
Thermal imaging
Infrared imaging surfaces temperature differentials that often correlate with hidden moisture or insulation gaps.
- 05
HVAC evaluation
Coil, plenum, return, and ductwork assessment. The #1 hidden vector for indoor mold in Florida buildings.
- 06
Targeted sampling
Air, surface, swab, ERMI, HERTSMI-2, mycotoxin, Pathways™, VOC, or formaldehyde, only the tests your situation warrants.
- 07
Lab analysis
Samples sent to AIHA-LAP-accredited third-party laboratories. Results returned within 24 to 72 hours of receipt.
- 08
Written report
Plain-English report with photos, lab data, moisture readings, observations, and clear next steps. Built to hold up with insurers, lenders, healthcare providers, and counsel.
- 09
Remediation protocol when warranted
If the report identifies remediation-grade mold, Daniel writes the IICRC S520-aligned remediation protocol, scope, containment, methods, and clearance criteria, that the remediation contractor works to. Florida law prohibits the same firm from inspecting and remediating, so the protocol stays independent of the work crew.
Service areas
Where we perform HVAC Health Check.
15 Florida counties from Central Florida to South Florida, the Tampa Bay area, and North Florida. Click the county nearest you for local context.
Central Florida coverage