Evaluation of the Thermal Environment for Condensation and Mold Problem Diagnosis Around Built-in Furniture in Korean Apartment Buildings during Summer and Winter

Recently, condensation and mold problems in apartment buildings have been on the rise due to increased insulation and airtightness performance for energy savings. Occupants in residential buildings have suffered property damages due to condensation and mold on built-in furniture, especially in Korean apartment buildings. Generally, condensation and mold growth on built-in furniture were found during summer and winter on the back panels of the furniture and adjacent surfaces of the walls, floor, and ceiling. These problems are related to the weather and indoor room conditions. To solve these problems, it is necessary to investigate the thermal environment around the built-in furniture and in living spaces during summer and winter. The aim of the study was to analyze the thermal environment around the built-in furniture during summer and winter. Through field measurements at apartment buildings that were constructed from 1990 to 2014, the thermal conditions around the built-in furniture were assessed. Results indicate that nine target apartment buildings did not incur condensation during summer, but they suffered from mold. Four apartment buildings, which were constructed after 2004, incurred condensation during winter, but they did not suffer from mold. Based on our results, we have prepared a solution design guide for preventing condensation and mold around built-in furniture.