Warmer drier healthier #5: Indoor conditions and mould growth in New Zealand homes
- Abbreviation
- BRANZ Research Now - Warmer drier healthier #5
- Valid from
- 1/06/2021
- Information provider
- BRANZ Limited,
- Information type
- Research report,
- Format
- PDF,
Description
Many New Zealand homes have mould growth in bedrooms and bathrooms due to inadequate heating and/or ventilation. During winter in 2016 and 2017, BRANZ monitored the indoor temperature and relative humidity at 88 homes across New Zealand.
During winter in 2016 and 2017, BRANZ monitored the indoor temperature and relative humidity at 88 homes across New Zealand and found bedrooms were often colder and damper than generally considered healthy. Excessively high mould spore counts were observed in several homes. Occupants were also asked about their perception of cold and damp problems and how they heat and ventilate their homes.
Scope
This Research Now includes:
- Conditions observed in New Zealand homes during winter 2016 and 2017
- Temperature
- Relative humidity
- Presence of mould, bacteria, spores and their metabolites
- Occupant heating and ventilation behaviour
- Further work
- Conclusions