Planning a family vacation this season? While it’s great to get out
of town during the sweltering summer months, Florida residents need to
think about controlling their homes’ humidity levels. After all,
excess moisture can lead to mold and other hazards affecting your family’s
health and the overall value of your property.
Below are some of
air conditioning experts’, Del-Air’s tips for preventing mold growth and protecting
your home when you aren’t around.
Mold grows best in the home when certain environmental conditions are met.
Along with the presence of spores and a viable food source, mold requires
a warm, moisture-rich climate to prosper. Needless to say, most homeowners
don’t want to support the growth of mold. To protect your property
when you’re away, it’s important to manage humidity in the
home by running the AC cooler in the early hours of the morning when the
air is moist. Additionally, you can take the following steps to control
mold growth while you’re on vacation:
- Move Houseplants Outside: Wondering why mold growth has increased in the home? The issue could be
that water is evaporating from indoor potted plants. If you can’t
replant indoor greenery outside the home, consider moving plants to a
part of the house with better air circulation. - Turn Off the Water Valve: Another crucial step in preventing mold growth in the home is to turn
off the main water valve before leaving for vacation. In the event that
a pipe bursts, the ensuing flood can cause a great deal of water and mold
damage. If you’re not watering the lawn while you’re gone,
consider turning off the valve until you return. - Seal Air Leaks: If you’re worried about mold in the home, you may also want to take
a look at the gaps around windows and doors. Air leaks allow moisture
to seep through and can result in mold and general water damage. For best
results, seal these spaces with caulking or weatherstripping. - Close the Flue: Finally, homeowners looking to guard against mold should take a moment
to close the flues on their fireplaces. Because water and organic substances
collect in brick crevices, the fireplace can be a breeding ground for
mold. For best results, close the flue and arrange for chimney caps and
flashings to be cleaned regularly.
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality with Del-Air
Excess humidity can lead to a number of problems for the Florida homeowner
including mold growth and water damage. Fortunately, Del-Air is there
to help residents reduce moisture in the home while improving their
health and comfort year round. For more
air conditioning tips, call today or
browse the Del-Air blog online.
