Summer heat and humidity can create ideal conditions for mold growth in your home. Keeping humidity under control is key to preventing mold development and potential health hazards. Follow these tips to manage moisture levels and improve indoor air quality during hot, humid weather.
Monitor Humidity
Use hygrometers placed in your home’s problem areas to track humidity levels. Basements, bathrooms and kitchens tend to have the highest moisture. Ideally, indoor humidity should be kept below 60% to deter mold growth. When outdoor humidity is high, indoor levels can creep up quickly. Keep an eye on the hygrometer and adjust as needed to keep moisture in check.
Ventilate Properly
Proper ventilation removes moist air from your home before it leads to condensation and mold. Use bathroom and kitchen fans while showering or cooking to vent out excess moisture. Make sure fans are ducted outside, not just recirculating humid air into the attic.
Running your AC periodically also helps dehumidify the home by condensing moisture out of the air. Change out HVAC filters regularly so airflow isn’t obstructed. Ventilating effectively also maintains healthy humidity levels.
Manage Condensation
Condensation results when moist air contacts cold surfaces like windows, pipes and vents. The dampness provides ideal mold breeding grounds. Insulate cold water pipes and ductwork to reduce condensation.
Opening blinds and positioning furniture a few inches from exterior walls lets air circulate, minimizing cold surface condensation. Controlling moisture mitigates areas where condensation leads to mold.
Clean and Disinfect
Even with proper humidity management, some household surfaces get damp and prone to mold in summer. Routinely clean and disinfect places like windows, sills, shower stalls, sinks and basements. Scrub off any visible mold immediately with detergent and water, then use a dilute bleach solution to kill lingering spores. Staying on top of cleaning keeps mold from taking hold.
Dehumidify Proactively
Portable and HVAC dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air to control humidity beyond just ventilation. Use dehumidifiers continuously in problem areas like basements or wherever humidity regularly exceeds 60%. Drain the accumulator tank frequently so the unit runs efficiently. Supplementing with dehumidification prevents humid conditions.
Check for Leaks
Detecting and fixing water leaks is crucial for mold prevention. Inspect under sinks, at pipe joints, around the water heater and near exterior walls for any moisture or signs of leaks. Have any sources of water intrusion repaired immediately to avoid creating a mold farm.
Upgrade Insulation
Insufficient insulation allows moisture migration into walls and attics. Ensure insulation meets codes for your area. Adding extra insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces helps moderate humidity levels indoors during humid months.
Humid summers encourage mold growth if indoor moisture isn’t managed vigilantly. Contact Polaro for AC system inspections and indoor air quality testing to identify humidity issues. Our team can also check insulation, seal duct leaks and ensure proper ventilation year-round. Don’t let mold take over this summer. Implement these tips to maintain healthy humidity and indoor air quality even during hot, humid weather.
