Have you ever stumbled across mold in your home? Unfortunately, in the hot, humid climate of Central Alabama, mold is extremely common and can grow virtually anywhere, especially damp areas. Although most molds are not harmful to our health, some can cause irritating allergic reactions and can damage aspects of your home. So, how do you keep mold from growing in your home and ruining your walls, floors, and household belongings? Guard Your Home Against Mold
Your air conditioning system plays a huge part in keeping the humidity levels in your home regulated. If your system is 5-10 years old, it’s likely powered by single-stage cooling. This type of system doesn’t do as much to regulate humidity as newer, high-efficiency variable speed systems. Variable speed systems offer advanced compressors and Spine Fin coils to enhance temperature and humidity control throughout your home.
If your air conditioning system isn’t adequately regulating the humidity in your home, you may need a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from outside air as it runs over refrigerated coils. The moisture is collected into a tank, instead of entering your home.
*Adequate indoor humidity levels in Central Alabama are between 30-50%.
While the main purpose of kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans is to get rid of odors, they also aid in the removal of excess moisture in the air. Bathrooms and kitchens are the main hotspots for mold in homes because of the regular use of water in these areas. When taking hot baths and showers, use the exhaust fan to help cut down on lingering humidity that can cause mold in the bathroom. When cooking, use the exhaust fan above the stove to help catch excess moisture coming from your pots and pans.
To prevent mold, use versatile cleaning products to regularly clean your home. Cleaning is important in keeping moisture tamed, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Faucets, washers, hoses, and pipes should be checked regularly to ensure they’re not leaking. Major appliance leaks can cause mold in places you might not even realize such as behind the fridge, under the washing machine, or behind toilets. The roof should also be checked for leaks as mold could be growing in your attic. When mold is not eliminated early-on, it can quickly and easily spread around your home, making it harder and more expensive to get rid of.
While you don’t need to eliminate carpet throughout your whole home, there should be no carpet in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or unfinished basements. Mold grows, hides, and spreads more easily in carpet, and it’s harder to remove.
If you are interested in adequately controlling your home’s humidity levels, call Sleeping Giant HVAC at (256) 378-6556. We are your locally owned American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Childersburg, AL, and we can help you find the right AC system or dehumidifier for your home.
We care about the comfort of your whole home and regularly provide tips and inspiration on home-related topics. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Guard Your Home Against Mold Guard Your Home Against Mold Guard Your Home Against Mold Guard Your Home Against Mold