Nobody wants a home full of mold and mildew. It’s bad for your health. It can cause structural damage to your home. And most mold and mildew infestations develop as a result of serious, underlying moisture problems somewhere in your home that if left untreated will probably get worse.
What are Mold and Mildew?
Molds and mildews are are microscopic organisms. They aren’t animal or plant but are part of the fungi kingdom, like mushrooms and yeast. Like all fungi, they produce enzymes that allow them to decompose and digest organic matter. They also produce spores that allow them to easily spread and reproduce. There are more than 100,000 species of these microorganisms and they are found everywhere in the world. They thrive in warm, moist and humid environments and surfaces and often seek out organic materials like wood and food. That means your home is always a potential target and magnet for mold and mildew.
Your heating and cooling system (HVAC) is responsible for distributing both hot and cold air throughout the house, also it keeps the house properly ventilated. A good HVAC has a design that allows for efficient air flow. When air does not circulate in your home, mold spores have a chance to settle and grow on organic surfaces. In turn, HVAC that does not provide proper ventilation contributes to mold colonies, especially if the HVAC also is not cooling properly.
You should inspect your HVAC design if you suspect that it is contributing to a mold problem in your home. The more turns, vents, and filters in the HVAC, the more places there are for mold to grow within the system.
Having mold in a furnace coil pan is not uncommon, due to the high volume moisture in the device. Using a high quality air filter can help keep pollutants and particles out of your HVAC system. Humidity in your home may also play a factor in terms of mold. UV lighting could help alleviate the problem. You may, instead, have the area sprayed with a micro biocide sanitizer that can help control harmful organisms.
It is recommended to have your ducts inspected to determine if mold growth is widespread before you get the entire system cleaned. Many companies offer video inspections so you can see for yourself what is in your ducts. Beware of the companies that offer the $49-$79 cleanings. A quality air duct cleaning typically will cost several hundred dollars and it will include all components of your HVAC system, including the coils, drain pans, fans and humidifiers. If you have a problem and it’s not fully eradicated, it will just come back. If you have widespread mold, you should hire a reputable company that specializes in mold remediation. Always get at least three estimates from trained HVAC technicians before having any work done.
How Do I Control Mold and Mildew Growth in My Home?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent ALL mold and mildew from your home; the way to control mold growth is to control moisture. The key to ensuring fungus free surfaces is to keep fungus prone places dry and clean.
You should Fix Any and All Moisture Problems in Your Home. Stop all water leaks, repair leaky roofs and plumbing issues. Repair or replace old heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. If water and moisture accumulates in concrete slabs and basement walls, you may need to install a sump pump or dehumidifier. Don’t procrastinate…delays may have devastating consequences.
Increase Air Circulation Within Your Home. Ventilate your home with fresh dry air from outside. Provide warm air to all areas of the home, especially along the inside of exterior walls. Open windows regularly and use fans. Move large objects a few inches away from exterior walls to provide good air circulation. And become a fan of fans. Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Use ceiling fans and old-fashioned propeller fans regularly throughout your house.
Seal Air Leaks. Sealing windows, doors and walls with caulk, stripping and other sealants can prevent moist outdoor air and mold and mildew spores from entering your home.
Don’t Let Wet Items Linger. Clean and dry water-damaged carpets, clothing, bedding and upholstered furniture within 24 – 48 hours or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings. Mop and dry all spills and leaks on any floor or surface.
Run Your Air Conditioner Regularly. Regular use of air conditioning keeps your home cool and dry in the summer months, the peak season for mold and mildew growth.
Install a Humidification/Dehumidification System. Available with most modern heating and cooling systems or as an add-on to older systems, humidification/dehumidification controls let you set the ideal dryness moisture level for your home and experience ideal indoor air quality any time of year. Indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% are generally recommended.
Vacuum and Clean Your Home Regularly. Dusting, sweeping and a little elbow grease will remove or kill much surface mold and mildew before they get a chance to settle and spread.
Ventilate and Insulate Attic and Crawl Spaces. Warm, moist air will rise and collect in your attic; proper attic ventilation will allow it to dissipate away from your home. A dirt floor in a crawlspace should be covered with plastic as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from the soil increasing humidity levels in your home. If there is standing water or the soil is wet, dry it out with fans before covering the floor.
Call an HVAC Contractor: Ask a heating or air conditioning contractor to check your heating and cooling system to make sure it is sized and operating properly to remove humidity. If your system is too big or if the airflow is incorrect your air conditioner will not remove humidity like it should. Also, ask the contractor to check your duct system for air leaks, and proper size and air flow to each room.
Call Other Contractors: If your moisture problem is due to a leak from a water pipe, toilet, bathtub or shower, hire a plumber to repair the leak. If the leak is in your roof, ceiling or walls, hire a roofing contractor. If the leak has caused substantial water and structural damage or if your mold and mildew infiltration is extensive, you will want to hire a contractor who specializes in mold remediation and water damage repairs.
Hit the Bleach. Floors, counters, window sills, appliances and kitchens and bathroom fixtures should be cleaned regularly with not just soap or detergent but an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. One containing ammonia bleach is your best bet for overall effectiveness. But be careful — bleach can damage surfaces, clothing and skin, especially if you use it straight and don’t dilute. Be sure to wear gloves and protect yourself and surfaces from splatters.
Try a Natural a Natural Remedy. As a safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to bleaches and other chemical anti-fungal agents, you may want to look in your kitchen cupboard or pantry and try some distilled vinegar, tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract. Use straight or mix with water, put in a spray bottle and wipe with a sponge on most surfaces to clean up or prevent mold and mildew formation.
For more information’s contact Air Duct Cleaning Pasadena.
