FIGHT MOLD BY IMPROVING HOME AIR FLOW
Mold in the home isn’t just unsightly – it’s also unhealthy. While you may know that excess moisture is the primary driver of mold growth, what you might not realize is the role that home air flow plays. Air flow and moisture actually go hand in hand, and so by improving air circulation in the house, homeowners can effectively combat mold growth and improve the home's interior air quality. Use the following tips to guard against mold and maintain a healthier environment for everyone in your household.
OPEN WINDOWS
One of the easiest ways to improve home air flow is to open your windows whenever the weather permits. By opening some windows or doors on opposite sides of the home, you’ll create cross-ventilation that allows fresh air to flow through the home, carrying excess humidity and moisture out with it. If there isn’t much of a breeze that day, you can help things out by positioning a fan in or near a window, pointing inward into the living space, in order to stimulate cross-ventilation.
INSTALL FANS
Ceiling fans, bathroom fans, attic fans, and kitchen exhaust fans are ideal for improving air circulation in the house. Ceiling fans in each room enhance air flow while keeping you cool during warm weather. In your bathrooms, fans are even more helpful. Bathrooms are notoriously moldy environments due to the high amount of moisture there. Bathroom fans vent humid air outside while also drawing fresh air into the bathroom to help dry things out.
If you have an attic, it’s important to vent the space in order to prevent moisture and mold accumulation. You can also install a whole-house fan in your attic floor that draws hot and stale air up through the entire house – just don’t forget to open some windows or doors when you operate it. Even kitchen fans can be good for reducing excess moisture generated while cooking meals. Finally, you can also use the "fan only" option on your HVAC system to improve home air flow.
ADD A DEHUMIDIFIER
Since mold loves humidity, using a dehumidifier to reduce atmospheric moisture is a great way to stop mold in its tracks. Dehumidifiers both dry out air and help circulate it, and are great for targeting certain areas of the home, such as basements, that can tend to have poorer air flow or increased humidity. In these cases, dehumidifiers are also a more energy-efficient way of focusing on problem areas versus running your entire air-conditioning system.
CALL THE EXPERTS
If you do discover that you have a mold problem, it's important to deal with it right away. If you see a small amount of mold, use white vinegar to kill the mold. A significant mold outbreak, however, should be left to the professionals.
Treating an outbreak of mold in the home can be a tricky process, which is why it’s always advisable to call in a professional mold removal service to tackle any outbreak.
The experts at ServiceMaster Restore® have the equipment and know-how to take care of mold problems safely and effectively. Plus, our experienced pros can help to identify the causes of mold growth along with solutions for how to stop it – including ways to improve the air flow in your home and keep excess moisture at bay. Contact us to learn more about how we can help make your home comfortable once again.