The overall air quality in your home can be affected by multiple factors, and dealing with the elements can wreck havoc on your HVAC system if not handled properly. During Fall months temperatures are changing, but we still fall into some of the hotter more humid points of the year at this time. This increases the level of humidity in the home, and though a proper balance of humidity is optimal for healthy air quality, to much will create breeding grounds for bacteria, molds, and other allergens.
Though there are many ways to create optimal air quality, an inspection to pinpoint areas for improvement is best. However, we want you to be the expert in maintaining a healthy home for your family by providing you some useful tips to recognize signs of excessive moisture so proper action can be taken.
1. Window and Patio Condensation
To much moisture in the home will normally result in beading on the windows of rooms as well as on patio areas. It will normally appear as a fog or vapor. The build-up of moisture will eventually rot window casings and create mold ( a dark and spongy substance) from the wetness. Placing a dehumidifier in areas of the home with heavy condensation could assist in lowering moisture levels and stopping any further damage from heavy moisture and humidity.
2. Mold Spots on Ceilings or the Corners of Walls
Since steam rises, bathroom moisture problems are normally found on the ceilings or corners of walls. Without the use of a sufficient fan to blow the moisture out, mold will begin to grow. Mold can grow anywhere that moisture can get trapped, and it does not have to be seen. Excess moisture can cause black mold to grow, which can in turn cause serious health issues.
Other areas of the home often affected by trapped moisture are closets, garages or basement rooms and storage areas. You may also see dripping or mold spots in some of these areas, for instance windows. This can be caused by faulty window seals or rotting casings. In this case, windows and frames should be replaced along with sheet rock and insulation changed to remove all wet areas.
3. Musty Smell or Odor
Mold and Mildew put out a distinct musty odor that is normally present in crawl spaces, entrances, or areas with heavy condensation that may have begun seeping into floor work or other areas of the home. Anytime there is a musty smell, there’s mold somewhere and that’s not healthy. A dehumidifier can help with immediate moisture removal, but you’ll have to investigate further for a long term resolution to the situation to prevent recurring problems. In most cases, those areas will also require heat to help dry the affected space.
Maintaining a healthy home for you and your family is the primary focus when investigating remedies to improving overall air quality and resources to help. Feel free to contact us to learn more details so we may be a resource for you.