Mold Prevention Checklist

The best way to get rid of mold is to stop it before it starts.

DISCLAIMER

This information on mold provided shall be considered general and is furnished as a courtesy only. All information is considered commonly available and is believed to be accurate to the extent furnished, however has not been reviewed or edited by recognized experts. This information is not for decision-making nor intended to be construed as a substitute for obtaining proper expert advice from recognized professionals in their related fields. Detailed information on microbiological organisms, human exposure and health information, remedial activities, etc., should be obtained from the appropriate resources.

Mold prefers relative humidity above 70% so moisture prevention is a key element of a mold prevention strategy. Keeping your indoor humidity below 60% prevents mold conditions and improves comfort. Here are some more tips for mold prevention:

Air Conditioning System

• During the heating season, air duct leaks can cause infiltration of moist, outdoor air. Signs include condensation around windows and dust accumulation around air vents. Make sure weather stripping and caulking is in good shape. Have your system checked for balanced air flow.
• Improper furnace venting. Exhaust gasses contain moisture which can condense inside your home if not properly vented. More importantly, these gasses contain Carbon Monoxide, a deadly poison. The best prevention is a heating check-up at the beginning of the season.
• During the cooling season, condensation may form on drain pipes, air outlets or on the indoor unit of your air conditioner. This can be caused by reduced air flow in your system or simply a lack of insulation. Regular check ups will prevent these problems
• Short cycling. While an air conditioner is running, it is constantly pulling moisture out of the air. The longer it runs, the more moisture it removes, resulting in lower indoor humidity. If your system runs for less than 5 minutes at a time, you may have a short cycling problem. This may be caused by something as simple as a poorly located thermostat or as major as an improperly sized system. Solving these problems can also save on your energy bill.

Plumbing System

• Search for moisture. Washing machines and kitchen sinks are notorious for hiding dampness but look everywhere there’s plumbing to be found. Move containers out of your way while searching. You may see rings or markings caused by moisture. If so, investigate further. Be sure to check inside closets which are adjacent to plumbing fixtures.
• Stop those leaks & drips! Besides wasting water, leaks and drips can cause increased humidity as well as moist surfaces for mold to grow on.
• Tub spouts and shower heads can cause moisture problems if they leak into walls. Clean them with vinegar to remove scale which may be directing water into the walls.
• Insulate piping. In the winter time, moisture may condense on exposed cold water piping. Simply insulating the pipe should solve the problem.
• Exhaust moist air from showering with a bathroom exhaust fan. Make sure your clothes dryer exhausts to the outdoors as well.

Our service agreement programs include regular check-ups to help us spot and prevent mold producing moisture problems. Plus you save money and have fewer surprise plumbing or air conditioning problems. Call us today and ask for more details.

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