Homeowners in Carlisle and the surrounding area are rejoicing over the fact that winter has finally come to an end. The double-edged sword of spring, however, is that issues such as allergies and asthma can be heavily exacerbated by the seasonal shift. Many people are already finding themselves sneezing uncontrollably and in many cases, household mold can be the culprit, affecting your indoor air quality (IAQ) and putting you and your family at risk.
Fortunately, the all-too-common issue of household mold can be prevented, and Energy Smart Home Improvement is here to help. Here are a few ways to mitigate the proliferation of mold, all of which can lead to a healthier home environment.
Reduce Household Humidity
You know those hot summer days when there’s so much moisture in the air outside that it feels like you can drink it?
The same conditions can occur indoors, which creates a breeding ground for hazardous mold. Keeping humidity levels low is preferable, as optimal levels sit between 30-50%.
You can take this into your own hands this spring and summer by cracking a window while you cook, shower, or otherwise create additional moisture in the air. If this isn’t enough to solve the problem, purchasing a dehumidifier is an excellent next step.
Avoid Condensation
Another element that can factor into the creation of mold is condensation, which should be prevented whenever possible. Water that forms around pipes or otherwise wet surfaces should be dried as soon as it’s discovered.
A combination of insulating materials and proper ventilation should be employed to keep the problem from recurring. You may want to employ fans in areas of the home where condensation is particularly problematic.
Take Additional Measures
Throughout the year, there are a number of additional mold prevention measures that should be taken to keep your indoor air quality from suffering. Cleaning your roof gutters, ensuring ground slopes are placed away from your home’s foundation, and immediately tending to spills can all be helpful in the fight against mold.
The team at Energy Smart Home Improvement can also help you to determine exactly which measures can be taken to keep mold at bay, ensuring that the problem isn’t something which extends into the future.