• If a water spill occurs, act quickly. Clean up within 24-48 hours.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Ice can back up and melt into your home. This can create many issues, such as water and mold damage.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from a building or foundation. Otherwise, water can pour into basements and the home.
• Keep air conditioning pans clean. These pans act as literal Petri dishes for bacteria and mold.
• Keep indoor humidity low. A great example of too much humidity in your home is condensation on your windows.
• Use a dehumidifier and sump pump in basements to remove excess water.

Equipment you can use to reduce humidity levels in your home.

Something many of us do not think about is that our homes are being built more air-tight. More efficient, well-built homes with lower air exchange rates mean less moisture is leaving the house. The typical home produces moisture regularly with laundry, steam from showers, dishes, and occupant respiration.

We generate 2-3 gallons of moisture a day. This additional moisture is all mold needs to thrive. Heat pumps are in many homes now and can reduce excess moisture in the air. Those learning how heat pumps cool and dehumidify will be surprised to find out that a heat pump has two modes for reducing relative humidity levels:

Cooling Mode

As the heat pump operates in cooling mode, it also removes moisture via condensation. This helps improve the unit’s overall efficiency while improving home comfort.

Dry Mode

This mode causes the heat pump to alternate between heating and cooling modes, allowing the heat pump to maintain a room’s current temperature while at the same time removing excess moisture from the area.

Suggestions for Areas Under 10 Square Feet

I.E., Small Area in a Bathroom

In bathroom situations, it is typically improper ventilation, and installation of a new system is needed.

Clean the area with simple soap and water solution. Spray the affected area directly with vinegar. DO NOT RINSE. The vinegar creates an acid-base that prevents the mold from growing back. Keep in mind, though, if you have not taken care of the extra moisture in the area, the issue will return. Remember, we bring mold spores in on our clothing and shoes every day.

Mold and mildew are both terms used to describe the growth of fungi. They vary slightly in shape, consistency, and color. Mold growth comes in many colors. The color depends on the age of the mold and what food it has.

NOTE: Speak with your local insurance agent about your homeowner’s insurance policy. Not all policies include coverage for mold, or they have a capped limit.