We tend to think of mold as thriving in hot, humid environments. It couldn’t become a problem during the cold, dry winter months, could it? Unfortunately, it could — and does. Here’s what you need to know about winter mold.
Mold in the Cold
Mold has a temperature range in which it grows best: between 60 and 80 degrees. No matter the outdoor temperature, there’s rarely a time when things won’t be within that range inside your home.
The other thing mold needs is moisture, which in winter is less prevalent. The natural humidity is lower, and when you run your furnace, it extracts moisture from the air. Even if you have a whole-house humidifier to put some of that moisture back, you’ll still ideally be keeping humidity levels between 30% and 50% percent, which isn’t conducive to mold growth.
That’s why the main place you’ll see mold in the winter is on and around your windows. The mix of warm indoor air and cold outdoor air on the pane forms condensation, creating an environment where mold can thrive. Additionally, if you have leaking pipes or other high-moisture areas in your home, they’re also potential mold sites.
Preventing Mold
Good ventilation is key to preventing mold growth. Run the ventilation fan when taking a shower or bath to eliminate excess moisture from your home. Check your air filter regularly as well and change it when it gets clogged to ensure proper airflow.
You might also consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter that can eliminate mold from the air more effectively than your HVAC filter alone. A UV air cleaner can help as well. Exposing the air to ultraviolet light before it circulates through your home kills mold, mildew, and other organic matter on contact.
Finally, have your pipes inspected to be sure there are no leaks or other places where moisture can accumulate and lead to mold and mildew growth.
For help eliminating mold and raising your indoor air quality, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We ensure clean, breathable air for Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin homes.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area