Mold Tips

MOLD!—It can seriously mess up your indoor air quality. Mold can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, irritate, the eyes, the skin, the throat, nose and lungs of a human being living in contaminated house. It can also damage and stain walls and appliances. This will cost you money and resources. Using up money is bad for you. Using up resources is bad for the planet. We can prevent mold from destroying our air and our homes and our air quality. According to the EPA, here?s how:

1. Keep Humidity Low
   The less humidity in the air, the less moisture, the less mold. The EPA recommends a humidity level of 30-50%.

1. Give Your Roof Some Love

   Make sure to keep your roof in working order. A leaky roof leads to a moldy house. Make sure to keep your gutters in good stead as well.

1. Clean Up Spill Quickly

   If you can clean the area within 24-48 hours, mold will probably not grow.

1. Air Conditioners

   Keep air conditioner pans clean and drain lines working correctly.

1. Showers

   Open the window or run the exhaust fan when showering. Opening the windows is the electricity-free choice.

1. Vent Appliances

   Vent appliances that create moisture to the outside when possible.

1. Increase Ventilation

   Open windows when possible.

1. Cold Pipes

   Cover those cold pipes with insulation.

1. Increase Air Temperature

   The EPA says increase air temperature, but we are all trying to reduce our home’s air temperature to save energy. What to do? Increasing your insulation may be a better overall solution. A dehumidifier is another option.

1. Keep Water Away from Foundation

   Make sure the ground slopes downward away from your home. Water pooling around the foundation of your house is a sure recipe for mold.