How To Prevent Mold In Your Home

You probably filter the water you drink at home. But how about the air you breathe?

The fact is, you “drink” far more air than water in a day – about 15,000 quarts, compared to 2-3 quarts of water on average.

The problem is, most of that 15,000 quarts of air is coming from indoor HVAC systems that provide moisture and cool air – making them a perfect breeding ground for mold growth.

Without treatment mold can spread through the air in your home and cause all kinds of health issues – from watery eyes and allergies to asthma and more serious problems.

Mold warning signs

To stay on top of a mold problem in your home, you need to understand the warning signs of mold growth. To do that,

• Use your eyes – Routinely inspect your ductwork, evaporator coils, and HVAC drip pans for mold, along with anywhere else water or condensation accumulates.
• Follow your nose – If you smell mildew in your ductwork, turn off your HVAC system, wait 15 minutes, and turn it back on. If the smell disappears or weakens when your system is off and comes back when you turn it back on, you may have a mold problem.

If you don’t see or smell mold, you probably don’t have a problem. But if you want to be certain, have your system professionally tested. Never try to clean up a mold problem yourself! Contact Needham Oil Complete to learn more.

Mold prevention tips

Of course the best way to cope with a mold problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place – and the key to that is moisture control.

Mold is a fungus whose spores make up much of the dust in your home. The problem begins when those spores are exposed to warm, damp environments, where the mold can grow and spread quickly.

To stop mold growth, you need to control moisture and dampness in your home. How? Try these tips:

1. General suggestions
   • Address signs of mold quickly.
   • Use a fan to quickly dry damp carpet and fabrics.
   • Wipe up water spills and repair leaks as soon as possible.
   • Choose mold-resistant materials for remodeling projects, such as mold resistant drywall or gypsum board.
   • Maintain your HVAC equipment regularly to ensure proper airflow and system function.
   • If budget allows, install indoor air quality equipment such as a whole house humidifier or whole house air purifier to keep your indoor air clean and and healthy.
2. Bathroom – Stay on top of leaks near your sinks, toilets, and tubs – spot them and repair them quickly! If you have a window, open it when you take a shower (or use an exhaust fan). Wipe down your shower and curtains after use.
3. Kitchen – Clean refrigerator drip pans regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Moisture can build up on or near improperly sealed doors, and mold can grow there. Remove mold on refrigerator door gaskets and replace faulty gaskets.
4. Basement and attic – Pay attention to musty smells coming from your basement or attic. Use a humidifier if needed, trying to keep humidity levels at or near 55 percent. Repair roof leaks quickly and keep your gutters clear, and be sure downspouts point water away from your home’s foundation.
5. Window frames – Seal windows tightly to prevent seepage and look for condensation on and around your window frame.
6. Hot water heaters – Watch for leaks and pooling water (routine maintenance is the best way to stay on top of leaks and other problems).

Spending more time at home this summer? Make sure you’re home isn’t making you sick! Contact us today to schedule COMPLETE air conditioner maintenance, or to install indoor air quality equipment in Middlesex or Norfolk Counties, MA. We’ll install your equipment quickly and correctly so you can enjoy healthy air and peace of mind right away – and as always, your 100% satisfaction is guaranteed!