The presence of mold in our homes is always worrisome. How worried should you be if you encounter mold? What can you do about it? These are just a couple of questions to answer during Mold Awareness Month.
Toxic Mold
There are thousands of kinds of mold, and most are harmless or at worst, allergenic. But it can be particularly alarming when we see mold we identify as “black mold.” Most black molds are not toxic, but can be allergenic, and diminish our indoor air quality.
There is one form of highly toxic mold — Stachybotrys chartarum — and it’s usually associated with gypsum and wallpaper in attics. It needs high moisture levels to grow. Only an expert can confirm if it’s the toxic variety, and if it is, it requires special handling by persons trained to remove it.
Preventing Mold
Mold thrives in a moist environment, so the best way to deal with it is to prevent it from colonizing the home. That means promptly fixing leaks from plumbing or in the roof to prevent high moisture levels.
Also, monitor damp areas in the kitchen and bathrooms for mold growth. Installing exhaust ventilation to the outdoors can help.
Your HVAC system can also help prevent mold growth. The HVAC removes moisture from the home’s return air when the moisture condenses on evaporator coils and is channeled out of the home through the condensate drain. Have regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system, ensuring the coils are clean (the moisture won’t condense properly if they’re dirty), and that the condensate drain and pan are obstruction-free. The pan and line should be cleaned with bleach during service visits.
Changing the air filter also helps reduce humidity levels. A dirty filter obstructs airflow, and moisture may not condense properly as it passes through the HVAC system. Replace damp filters and call for help: a damp air filter can be a sign things aren’t working as they should in your HVAC system.
For more on Mold Awareness Month, or to schedule repairs, maintenance or installations, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning of Lorain.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area