How Does Humidity Affect Mold Growth?

If mold is growing anywhere on your property, it’s important that you remove it as quickly as possible. It’s also a good idea to determine what caused it to start growing in the first place. As a general rule, mold thrives in damp conditions, which means that it may be a significant problem as humidity levels start to rise.

When Is Mold Growth a Concern?

Mold growth accelerates when the relative humidity in a given space is higher than 60%. Therefore, it may be a good idea to put a dehumidifier in a basement, attic or garage as it can be harder for air to circulate throughout these parts of your home. This means that there is likely more moisture in the air that spores can use to grow and meander throughout your house.

Mold Can Grow Throughout the Year

It’s easy to assume that mold is more likely to be an issue during the summer months as this is when you the air gets humid. However, the truth is that certain types of molds that are found in homes can grow throughout the year, assuming that there is sufficient moisture to do so. In fact, mold can grow in cold and wet weather, too, if the rooms are always damp.

Mold Growth Isn’t Always Apparent

It’s important to understand that you can’t always see the mold that is growing in the basement, kitchen or bathroom. This is because it can grow on drywall, under floors or in other spaces that aren’t visible at first glance. A musty odor inside of your home is one of the key clues that it’s lurking where you can’t see it. The same may be true if you’re having trouble breathing, your home has recently been flooded or you have noticed mold on walls, ceilings or other surfaces.

If you suspect that you may be dealing with a mold issue, feel free to contact the folks at Simmons Heating & Cooling in Chesapeake. We will be able to perform an indoor air quality assessment to determine if there is a serious problem that needs to be rectified. It may also be possible to have a water heater, boiler or other components inspected to ensure that they aren’t leaking.

What Can You Do to Reduce Moisture Levels in Your Home?

In addition to putting a dehumidifier in your home, it may be a good idea to invest in a central air conditioning system. This is because an air conditioning system can make your home drier in addition to reducing its temperature. It may also be a good idea to check your home’s ventilation systems to ensure that air can find its way out of your home from the kitchen, bathroom or attic.

Adding vents to the outside of the home can make it easier for air to find its way out of an attic or other upstairs space. At a minimum, you should use a fan while cooking or taking a shower as it can prevent steamy air from condensing on walls, floors or other surfaces.

Finally, you should consider having your home’s plumbing system inspected on a regular basis. This is because a faulty pipe can result in leaks that can help to create conditions for mold to thrive. It may also be a good idea to have your roof inspected for issues that may increase the odds of stagnant air remaining inside of the home.

Make Use of Products That Can Slow or Prevent Mold

These days, many household products contain ingredients that inhibit mold growth. For instance, you may be able to cover bathroom walls using paint that is designed to keep them free of spores that can cause damage to the space. Furthermore, paints that are designed for use in rooms that experience high levels of humidity are formulated so that they are easy to clean. This means that you can easily remove any mold that does grow on a wall, ceiling or floor before it has a chance to spread.

If you are worried about the potential for mold growth in your home, give Simmons Heating & Cooling a call today. While on your property, we can inspect the home’s ducts, install an air purification system or maintain your air conditioning system. Our team of trained technicians can also service your home’s heating system, install a generator or take other steps to keep your property in good condition throughout the year. We offer comprehensive heating and cooling services to Chesapeake, VA, residents.