When a coastal homeowner in Lost Tree Village, Palm Beach Gardens, started noticing subtle musty odors each time the AC kicked on, they knew it wasn’t just “Florida normal.” The property — a beautifully maintained coastal estate — had older ductwork that had never been fully replaced during prior renovations.
To confirm whether hidden mold or moisture was to blame, the owners brought in Full Spectrum Environmental for a full indoor air quality and duct board assessment.
The Inspection
Full Spectrum’s team performed a multi-stage investigation, combining:
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Visual duct checks in the attic and crawl spaces.
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Static pressure readings using a manometer to check for air imbalances that can pull in coastal humidity.
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Detailed borescope inspection inside older fiberglass duct board runs.
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Air sampling in multiple zones — using calibrated spore trap equipment like the system shown here — to measure mold spore counts against clean outdoor baselines.
What We Found
The testing uncovered hidden moisture problems inside sections of original internally lined duct board that were still tied into the main supply trunks. Small air leaks and slight negative pressure were pulling warm, humid coastal air into the ducts, pushing them to dew point in spots and letting moisture soak into the fiberglass liner.
Lab results confirmed elevated mold spore levels consistent with hidden microbial growth inside the duct system — explaining the persistent odor that returned after each AC cycle.
How We Designed the Protocol
Once the hidden duct board moisture and elevated mold levels were confirmed, Full Spectrum Environmental moved to the next step: developing a clear, customized remediation protocol tailored to this Lost Tree Village property’s needs.
A good protocol starts with precise air sampling data, site photos, pressure readings, and visual findings. For this project, our team outlined exactly which duct board sections required removal, which coils and blower wheels needed deep cleaning, and where UV germicidal lamps would best prevent future growth.
We also specified containment requirements — including negative air pressure, sealed work zones, and HEPA air filtration — to keep the homeowner’s living spaces protected while work was performed. By providing a detailed step-by-step plan, we ensured Green Fox Air Quality could carry out the remediation correctly, with post-work clearance sampling to verify results.
A thoughtful protocol like this doesn’t just fix a problem — it documents each step, protects the client legally, and gives clear proof that the air quality is safe when the work is done.
How Green Fox Air Quality Solved It
Green Fox Air Quality handled the full remediation and cleanup for this Lost Tree Village home:
✅ Targeted removal and replacement of compromised duct board sections with new, properly sealed and insulated metal ductwork.
✅ Full duct cleaning and internal air handler cleaning, including coil and blower wheel service to remove any settled spores.
✅ Antimicrobial coating applied inside the new duct sections to help prevent future microbial growth.
✅ System rebalancing and static pressure correction to stop coastal air from being drawn in.
✅ Final post-remediation clearance sampling, confirming the air was safe, dry, and healthy for the family and their guests.
The Outcome
With the work completed and the air retested, the homeowners in Lost Tree Village could trust their indoor environment again — protected from the hidden risks that come with aging duct board and coastal moisture.
✅ Protecting Coastal Homes the Right Way
Full Spectrum Environmental and Green Fox Air Quality work together to provide reliable indoor air quality inspections, mold testing, and full-scope HVAC remediation for high-value communities like Lost Tree Village, Admiral’s Cove, Evergreen, and the greater Palm Beach Gardens area.