Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Mold and mildew are unfortunately not uncommon in areas with hot, humid summers like we experience in Tennessee. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that the air inside our homes is far more polluted and dangerous than the air outdoors. Mold can grow in areas of your home where moisture is most prevalent such as bathrooms, the kitchen, a basement and crawlspaces. Leaks around the home in ceilings, walls or plumbing can also breed mold and mildew, the spores of which can cause serious respiratory problems like allergy and asthma, coughing and wheezing.
What are mold and mildew?
- Mold is a type of fungus and often can be found in homes with humidity levels that are too high. Mold is usually fuzzy or slimy and black, blue, red or green. It can cause severe respiratory issues, including asthma and allergies. For people who already suffer from these issues, mold can exacerbate the symptoms.
- Mildew, like mold, is a fungus that usually grows on flat surfaces. It often starts out as a white powdery substance on organic surfaces like walls or ceilings or even the surfaces of shoes or leather bags. It can eventually turn shades of yellow, brown or black.
What is the ideal atmosphere for mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew love hot, humid conditions. Heat between 77 and 87 degrees and humidity (between 62 and 93 percent) are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew when an organic source is present as a food source.
Common areas to find mold and mildew:
- In or around HVAC systems, including ducts.
- Under sinks, around faucets in the kitchen or bathroom and around tubs.
- Any area where water pools or humidity is high.
Knowing the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow and thrive means we can also determine what steps to take to protect our homes from these issues that are known to cause respiratory ailments in humans and pets.
How to control humidity to prevent mold and mildew
- Activities in high-humidity areas — such as taking showers in the bathroom or cooking in the kitchen — can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, so it’s best to always take advantage of vents and exhausts in these rooms. Run the exhaust fans when showering or cooking. And be sure the exhaust from the laundry dryer is in proper working order.
- Run a dehumidifier in areas of your home where humidity is high, or invest in a whole-house dehumidifier or one that works in tandem with your HVAC.
- Open windows when possible to promote air circulation.
- Remove standing water in crawl spaces and/or the basement.
- Run fans.
- Be sure your HVAC is in proper working order because it works to remove heat and thus moisture from the air in your home.
- Waterproof your basement.
- Invest in house plants that naturally help control humidity.
Home moisture control in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
Mold and mildew are dangerous in a home, posing serious respiratory risks and aggravating asthma and allergy symptoms. Our moisture-control professionals with Ameri Care Services in Murfreesboro can evaluate your home for ways to control humidity levels and minimize the chances of mold and mildew growing in your home. Give us a call at (615) 823-8224, or visit us online to schedule your free consultation today.