Energy Efficiency of Homes - Does Class A Mean There Is No Mold in the House?
Energy Efficiency of Homes - Does Class A Mean There Is No Mold in the House?
Many people consider the energy efficiency class and the year of construction when buying property – the newer the house, the less likely they think they'll face problems in the future.In this article, we’ll examine this hypothesis and discuss the potential pitfalls.
The energy efficiency classes of buildings indicate the level of energy consumption required to maintain comfortable indoor conditions, such as heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting.
Simply put, this classification helps assess how efficiently a building uses energy. The classes range from A (the highest, most energy-efficient) to G (the lowest, least energy-efficient).
If we phrase the question as follows: does a Class A home mean it's less prone to mold than a Class C home? The short answer is: no, it doesn't.
This is because the energy efficiency certificate cannot account for many other factors, such as construction quality and the materials used. For example, a house may have cheap windows or facade materials installed, which could lead to problems over time. Or high-quality materials may be used but improperly installed.Sometimes, in order to achieve a high energy efficiency rating, developers may sacrifice other important aspects of the building. For instance, they might cut costs on waterproofing, ventilation, or drainage systems, which could lead to future issues.
The Risk of Mold: In energy-efficient homes, there is a strong emphasis on insulation, which can lead to ventilation problems if the system is not properly designed. Poorly designed ventilation or inadequate air exchange can contribute to moisture buildup and mold formation.In my experience, mold is also found in new Class A homes, but its location differs from older homes, as the causes are different.
Of course, before buying an apartment, even in a new building, it's essential to check the construction quality, engineering systems, and compliance with window, ventilation, and other system installation technologies. It’s important to inspect the apartment for hidden mold and moisture, as well as in areas where these problems could arise after the property is in use.