Though you might not have thought so the colder climate of fall and winter can easily – and quickly – increase the likelihood that mold will take hold somewhere in your home. It’s a perfect storm type of both indoor and outdoor factors that lead to this less than pleasant scenario and before you can begin to prevent cold weather mold we should really explain why it happens;
Mold Growth in Fall and Winter: Basic Facts
As soon as the temperatures start to drop we all tend to start sealing up our homes and, in the interests of energy efficiency, sealing them up pretty tightly. Windows are closed and then maybe even resealed to keep the cold air out, the air conditioning goes off and the heating goes on in its place and if anyone leaves the front door open for more than a few seconds they are likely to get (rightly) scolded for letting the cold in.
All of this is great, you and you family will be warm and happy. The problem is though that all of this creates lots of warm air that really has nowhere to ‘escape’ to leading to increased indoor humidity and condensation two things that Mold truly love and thrive fantastically around.
Add this to the fact that outside Mold is having a fabulous time breaking down all of the dead plant matter, especially leaves, that is laying around (which is actually it’s real purpose in the grand scheme of nature) and so far more mold spores are in the air than at other times of the year and yes they’ll find their way into your home; via shoes, that occasionally open door and even on your clothes.
Common Indoor Breeding Grounds for Mold in Fall and Winter
Mold growth in colder seasons is usually most commonly found on the exterior of drywall, sheet rock and other surfaces of rooms located in bends and corners of the home. As corner rooms are exposed to significantly colder air than their adjoining rooms, they will soon have higher relative humidity levels (RH) as well. However, the adjoining rooms have the same water vapor pressure, ultimately creating conditions that can can lead to some major Mold growth in winter.
If you spot any Mold growth in the colder months in such a corner room in your home, it may mean the RH of the next room’s surfaces is 70% or higher. On the other hand, if the temperature in the room is too cold, or there is a lot of moisture (high water vapor levels), the room may also have RH levels over 70%. Both the relative humidity and the temperature of the rooms’ surfaces and areas need to be balanced – neither too moist, nor too cool.
Simple Tips to Prevent Mold Growth in Winter:
Make a conscious effort in every room – including the attic and basement – to keep indoor humidity below 60%. Ideally, it should be between 35% and 45%. The simple act of placing a dehumidifier in the room can lower moisture enough to prevent mold growth and if the opposite is true, that the air in room feels very dry, possibly because it’s a little chilly, then a blast from a humidifier can help.
Set ceiling fans in reverse. Doing this will keep the air moving better and will also help distribute heat more evenly.
Duct work and filters should be kept clean. Dirt and grime here will make a tasty treat for Mold and could of course go unnoticed for months, if not longer. Schedule a checkup for your HVAC system now so that not only can you ensure the system is clean before the big switch on, but also that it is functioning as it should, ready to keep you and your home warm and hopefully mold free all winter long.
If you have any questions about our range of services, please do not hesitate to contact us on 816-436-1000 or email us: service@arcticairkc.com. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will be happy to assist you in any way they can and answer all your queries.