During the summer months, humidity can cause musty air and strange odors to become commonplace in your home. High humidity levels will often contribute to mold growth if left untouched. This is because when humid air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, condensation can form.
When this moisture accumulates over time, mold will begin to form. Once mold begins to grow, it’s difficult to get under control. Exposure to mold can cause cold-like symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Rather than suffer from the effects of mold, preventing mold from forming will help you maintain healthy levels of indoor air. Here a few tips on how to reduce mold in humid weather.
Make Good Use of a Dehumidifier
If you haven’t used a dehumidifier in the past, it may be time to start. Dehumidifiers work to lower moisture levels in the air. By lowering moisture levels, it discourages mold from growing in humid areas. If you have a large home, pinpoint which areas are more prone to humidity and focus on these areas. However, a dehumidifier can benefit the entire home when used.
Implement Proper Ventilation Techniques
In areas of your home that are prone to high levels of moisture, try making it a point to properly ventilate these areas. If your bathroom has windows, try and keep them open and use the exhaust fans to keep airflow constant.
Try to open windows when cooking in the kitchen as well, as this area is prone to a buildup of moisture. Opening windows around the home will help to dry out damp areas and decrease stuffiness in your home.
Go On The Offense
Be vigilant is examining your home for areas with condensation. If there is damaged insulation around doors, or windows, condensation can begin to form here and lend itself to mold spores growing.
If you see these tell-tale signs be sure to quickly replace any damaged insulation and work to keep these areas dry in the meantime. This is especially important if there has been heavy rainfall or flooding in your area. If this is the case, it may be time to examine your roof for any leaks or rotting wood.
Running your AC during the summer months can indeed help to maintain airflow. However, remember to regularly maintain your conditioner. Issues with pumps or blockages in the drain hole can cause water to pool, causing a new area for potential mold growth.
Contact Air Quality Consultants
If you’ve taken all the precautions to prevent mold growth in your humid seasons but are still concerned about the air quality in your home, contact Air Quality Consultants. Indoor air pollutants can have a very negative effect on your mind and body, and can even contribute to premature death.
Take the guesswork out of your air quality and give us a call. We’ll help you to identify and eliminate harmful pollutants. Clean air is important, and we’ll do all we can to ensure you and your family have healthy, uncontaminated air.
