Stagnant air allows mold spores to settle, enabling growth. If you are aware of a plumbing leak, dont let it sit, or moisture will begin to build up. Licenses: HVAC: CAC1816536, Mold Assessor MRSA1538, Mold Remediator MRSR1621. Ensure that they arent clogged and that they have extensions to effectively carry the water away from your property so it is not sitting stagnant anywhere. Make sure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries. Code requirements cited may have been changed in a newer code edition, or may not yet be adopted in your area. This will eliminate cleaning when you return. It can provoke new health issues and revive existing ones. Following these steps should help ensure that your Florida residence will be clean and beautiful when you return home! To prevent doors from closing, put towels over the doors. But you can save time and money with these 10 tips to prevent mold. Give us a call if you experience either of these events, and we would be happy to come and check to make sure your A/C is working properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold grows in places with a lot of moisture. The temperature in your home can affect you and your familys comfort level tremendously, especially if you live in states with hot, humid summers like Maryland. For instance, cooking on a stove, showering, doing laundry, and washing dishes can up the humidity inside your home. West Palm Beach, HVAC systems actually extract water vapor from the air. Be sure to have any leaks repaired before taking off. Keep the vintage wallpaper, but upgrade that time- and money-draining retro thermostat to programmable. Cable or satellite boxes: Unplug or turn off to avoid paying for energy you arent using. The humidity setting on air conditioners will run the air handler fan at a lower speed, improving moisture removal. A digital thermometer/hygrometer is another way to keep tabs on the indoor humidity and costs $12 to $20. Certain indoor activities can increase humidity levels, too.

See if quartz is right for you. Floridas muggy summers can cause problems in a closed-up house. Visit ourHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGandMOLD, LEAD AND OTHER CONTAMINANTSpages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. There could be a problem with the unit or a tripped breaker. My air conditioner won't turn on. Check forpuddles or dampnessaround hot water tanks, sump pumps, freezers, refrigerators, basement doors, and windows. Open the windows or set up fans to improve airflow when you are doing these activities. Open cabinet drawers and closets (especially bathrooms and bedrooms). Your air conditioner can control the temperature and humidity in your home, which can prevent mold growth. Make sure your air-conditioning unit is properly sized for your house. 5744 Industry Lane, Suite N, Frederick, MD 21704, Washington County, MD Frederick County, MD Franklin County, PA, Berkley County, WV, Main Service Panel Upgrades & Circuit Breakers, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. For wooden furniture Remove mildew with a vacuum cleaner and then clean with a soft cloth dipped in a mild detergent and water solution. It can enter the home through doors, windows, and vents, or it may be brought in from the outside by people and pets. Dry thoroughly. Push furniture away from vents and grilles to keep air circulating. "url": "https://kwpmc.com/", }] Make sure that your property manager has your emergency contact information or can reach you (or a designated individual) while you are away, in the event of an emergency. Simple precautions like these can prevent the cost of mold removal, as well as major repairs to your air conditioner. These allergens can negatively affect indoor air quality. Other tools help capture humidity, such as moisture absorbing bags. In addition to keeping humidity out of your Florida home, youll want to prevent unwanted water from seeping in. Turn off the main water valve unless you have an automatic fire-sprinkler system. Furniture and draperies that block supply grilles cause condensation. Florida black mold symptoms include: Black mold exudes a musty smell and has a slippery texture. For example, while an HVAC system can decrease humidity indoors, it can only do so much. However, in the meantime, were happy to share some mold prevention tips with you! Check your gutters and downspouts that carry water away from your home. Avoiding mold growth and knowing how to get rid of it properly are imperative for residents of Florida. Fight mold by setting the temperature on your air conditioner. "telephone": "+1 (800) 514-5770", I cant find it? If you live in a very humid area, a whole-house system isthe wayto go. We are in Florida and provide plenty of information about hurricanes and sinkholes, for example, but nothing on basements and ice dams. What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners? If you cant find the moisture problem on your own, or you arent sure how to correct a problem you do find, call a home inspector orindoor air qualityconsultant. A creative kitchen can feature your interests and taste and blend with other rooms. McGarry and Madsen's home inspection blog for buyers of, site-built, mobile/manfuactured and modular homes. Too often, we bump the thermostat up to 85degrees,or turn off the AC when were away. You might have an infestation but not know it except for the symptoms that manifest in reaction to it. Theres several different ways to keep humidity down while youre away for the season: . That moist, salty sea air wreaks havoc on appliances and electronics. An air conditioning service tech like the ones at Larry & Sons can handle more complex maintenance, such as cleaning coils and checking that the condensation drains properly and that drain pains are free of mold. Never leave damp clothes too long if you hang them up to dry. Indoor humidity monitors start at less than $20; more sophisticated models that simultaneously and remotely track several rooms can climb to $200. How Do You Know If Youve Drilled Into a Water Pipe? "areaServed": "US" On humid, still days, run a couple of fans to keep air moving. Low humidity means less water vapor is in the air, and mold cannot grow. If you have an automatic ice maker, switch it to the off position. Mold problems often emerge during hot, humid summers when youre tempted to play with the air conditioner. Additionally, make use of the exhaust fans you have in washers and bathrooms. You can have an a/c contractor install one next to your homes thermostat, and set it to override the thermostat when you are away for the season.

Will closing doors reduce my heating and cooling costs? While you may want to close your drapes to keep the majority of the heat out while youre away, if they block your AC vents at all, air will not be able to move freely throughout your home. If you are going on vacation or leaving your house unoccupied for extended periods, you want to check the thermostat before leaving. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag as it will contain mildew spores. A house call will likely run $250 or more. How can I tell whether the condenser (outdoor unit) is an air conditioner or heat pump? In humid climates and vacant homes, mold can run rampant. My air conditioner won't turn on. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag as it will contain mildew spores. Eliminate clutter. Clean or replace your air conditioning filter. Youll want to call an HVAC technician once a year. It is also susceptible to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, that can occasionally result in flooding. Invest in quality tools while theyre on sale this month. The rule of thumb is one for every 1,000 square feet. If you regularly crawl in your crawl space, use a heavier plastic that wont rip as easily: Some 20 milplastic coveringsare on the market. Home Stop Summer Mold! Be sure to place the dehumidifiers so the water runs into the shower or tub drain. Once mildew has found its footing, you must get rid of it thoroughly and effectively. This causes condensation, which mold loves. Set your thermostat to regulate the temperature and keep it around the low 70s. Once the unit shuts off, it cannot blow air through the system, removing moisture and reducing the likelihood of mold. Meredith Jameson writes early childhood parenting and family health articles for various online publications. Neglecting to regularly maintenance your air conditioner can prevent it from working effectively, which can lead to mold growth. Set your thermostat between 78-80 degrees while youre goneany higher and youll most likely have excessive moisture from the humidity. But when mold begins to grow indoors, it can become dangerous fast. One of the primary reasons for an air conditioner developing mold is being set at a cold temperature point, causing it to reach that point quickly, then shut off. During the hot, humid summer months, set your air conditioner to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus 2 other mistakes you could be making. While you are getting ready to leave, run your A/C more than you normally would to help remove as much moisture as possible from your home before you leave. Contact us at All Dry USA for a free quote regarding mold identification and remediation. "contactPoint": [{ Some portables have a hose hookup that automatically sends water into a nearby floor drain. It is a blemish on ones home or office, and it can be severely damaging to your familys health if it persists. Small appliances and electronics: Unplug. This temperature setting may also reduce cooling energy costs and reduce the relative humidity inside your home. This may be avoided by setting the air conditioner at certain temperature points. If you get a high humidity reading of 60% or more, make sure your air conditioner is doing its job.

F (305) 476-9187 Spills and leaks should also be cleaned up as soon as possible. If mold lands on a damp or wet area, it will multiply. Inspect crawl spaces for ground water dampness or foundation leaks. And last, the most economical way to prevent mold in a vacant home is by using stand-alone dehumidifiers instead of your central air conditioner. Once mold spores land on a wet spot, they spread quickly, releasing allergens and irritants into the air. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction. You may need to invest in a dehumidifier to regulate areas prone to dampness. Cast a critical eye on household clutter, and pare down your stuff.

This helps inkeeping mold spores from landing and staying put in one area of the house, making it easier to ventilate and improve air quality. This will help prevent mold from growing, so you can enjoy your time away without worry. Monitor your usage while you are away and check for any unusual changes in energy usage. How to Bypass the Humidity Sensor on a Dehumidifier, How to Keep Water From Getting Stagnant in a Toilet Tank. They also send out automatic alerts to your phone or email address if the inside temperature gets too high or too low, based on your set points. Also, construction methods and materials vary in different parts of the country and it is possible that important issues related to your area may not be covered here. If you are a part-time Floridian or a hardcore summer traveler, here are some important home closing procedures to help you protect your property. 8200 NW 33rd Street, Suite 300 << What is an S-Trap? Turn your refrigerator and freezer off. Ask someone to check on your property every few weeks for problems that could pop up, such as plumbing leaks or storm damage. Here are 10 ways to prevent, control, and combat mold in your home. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from San Francisco State University. Mildew thrives in cool, dark, and humid conditions. Why is the inspector calling out rotten wood on my termite inspection? When the system is oversized, it has a shorter on-cycle and therefore a shorter amount of time when moisture is removed. Dry each area before going on to the next. Mold thrives in the humidity of summertime. 33411, Serving South Florida Since 1987 After cleaning up mold, you may want to get an air purifier. Close your drapes and blinds. You should also close widows if it starts to rain to avoid wet windowsills and floors. But if you reach 60% relative humidity, its time to look for the source of the added moisture; above 70% relative humidity, certain species of mold can begin growing. Close all windows before you leave (especially bathroom and kitchen windows) and seal sliding glass doors. While some people may not experience any reaction to mold, others can be highly sensitive. Florida is not only of a generally humid climate. Even a few remnant spores can mean a swift recurrence of the mold you thought you left eliminated. Whether you are a snowbird heading north in order to avoid Floridas brutal summer heat or a family getting ready to travel for the summer, there are ways you will want to safeguard your residence before taking off. Mold and mildew thrive in warmer, damp areas. The simplest defense is to cover crawl space floors with a plastic vapor barrier -- 6 mil polyethylene (landscapers' plastic) -- that traps moisture in the ground. Setting one up near the moldy area can help grab and remove mold spores from the air. For example, a variance in your electric bill could indicate an appliance or A/C malfunction. For guidance, call an HVAC professional or consult Energy Starssquare footage/AC capacity chart. Just as a house or office requires regular cleaning, actively preventing mildew should be part of your routine maintenance. This should be done even if you are gone for a short time. Removing water vapor decreases the humidity leveland helps regulate it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, molds are a natural part of the environment and dont typically cause problems. Due to the nature of mold and its exponential growth, it is much easier to prevent it than deal with it by the time it has taken hold. It is not only unsightly, but mildew can also be a health hazard. If it isnt, the pipe is blocked and water may be accumulating inside the unit -- or on your floor. 2021 Tri County Air Conditioning and Heating, Set the dehumidistat and thermostat properly, Life Cycle Maintenance Costs You Can Expect Over the Life of Your AC System, How to Protect Your System and Maintain Excellent Indoor Air Quality. Does an old air conditioner use more electricity as it ages? To learn more about heating and air conditioning systems, see these other blog posts: How can I find out the SEER of my air conditioner? Flooding is a massive contributor to mildew growth. While the various types of mold have different minimum, optimum, and maximum temperature ranges for growth, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services indicates that many kinds of mold will grow well when conditions are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheitthe same temperature range were often comfortable in. Inspect thecondensate drain pipe(the narrow white pipe sticking out the side) to make sure its dripping regularly. Related:How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home. However, living in such climates could have other consequences for your home and family, as humidity can contribute to mold growth. The perfect mold growth temperature in Fahrenheit ranges between the high-70s and the mid-80s. When to Turn On Your Air Conditioner in the Spring? // Leaf Group, University of Central Florida: Mold Growth. So keep doors and windows shut when the AC is humming. Why has the thermostat screen gone blank? Fortunately, your air conditioner can prevent the growth of this fungus, while also keeping you cool. Topics: Blog Article, Mold Prevention, Tips For Seasonal Residents. Bear in mind how crucial it is because while it is not a pretty sight, it is even worse as a health risk. However, it is not always a preventable situation. Summer in Florida means oppressive heat and very high levels of humidity. "contactType": "customer service", Our winterizing your home checklist will help you keep your house cozy and safe from winters frigid assault. "contactType": "customer service", You may be tempted to leave your AC offor if you have a remote thermostat, let your air conditioner come back on a few days before you come home. For painted surfaces inside Scrub mildewed paint or plaster with a solution of household bleach to 1 gallon of water. Most models have an auto shutoff that keeps the unit from overflowing when the storage tank is full. Whether you own a vacation home here in Florida, or youre leaving on vacation for a few weeks elsewhere, a vacant home means a home that is exposed to weather conditions, humidity, and in turn, the development of mold. Look for credentials from a respected industry organization, such as theAmerican Society of Home Inspectorsor theIndoor Air Quality Association. Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Lifestyle, All Rights Reserved. If you keep the inside of your home cool with an HVAC system, you can prevent mold from being able to grow in the first place. Groundwater seeping into crawl spaces can add gallons of moisture vapor into your house every day. It is one type of mold that can be lethal for anyone exposed to it. At Envirotech Air Quality Services, we our one of the very few HVAC companies in south Florida who are also licensed mold assessors, mold remediators, and duct cleaners. It would also be a good idea to invest in an inexpensive (less than $10) analog hygrometer to verify that you a/c system is adequately lowering the humidity. If 0 kw electric is used, your A/C unit may not be coming on. This option, however, requires the most additional investment.

Then, fix anything that could invite moisture in. Put plastic wrap over toilet seats (this prevents water from evaporating). Set the fan mode on the air conditioner to "Auto" to allow the water that has pooled on the evaporator coil to drain off the coil and out of the unit.

Copyright 2022 Florida Heat & Air, Inc. - All Rights Reserved. If your electric bills have increased, you may have unnatural moisture in the home.

Mold also thrives in stagnant air. Why does it take so long to cool a house when an air conditioner has been off for a while? The relative humidity in your house should not exceed 50 percent. "contactOption" : "TollFree", If you are wondering how to prevent black mold, there are ways to test for mold type, but regardless, you should remove any mold as soon as you are aware of it. "faxNumber": "+1 (305) 476-9187", If you are going on a summer vacation, you should factor in the temperature of your home while youre away. Mold prevention efforts should be just as consistent. The climate and dense humidity of Florida make homes in this state particularly vulnerable to mold accumulation. ADU (All Dry USA) is a Division of All Repair & Restoration, Copyright 2022 ADU All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy | Sitemap. >>. If possible, youll want to disable this feature completely to maximize dehumidification, which can be done by a skilled HVAC professional. For upholstery, mattresses, and rugs Vacuum/dust off mildew. It is crucial to know what temperature to leave a vacant house in Florida to ensure you dont come home to an infestation. All rights reserved. How can I find out the SEER of my air conditioner?

"@type": "ContactPoint", You can take further precautionary measures, such as installing humidity indicators and dehumidifiers. Rugs/carpets should be shampooed and dried as quickly as possible. Plus, oceanfront or lakefront homes, or homes in low-lying areas with heavy tree cover, can be especially humid. You can identify mold growth by sight and smell. This includes cracked roof shingles, deteriorating sundeck flashing, the loose frame of a door, and anywhere that a window frame or baseboard is coming away from the wall. But set the thermostat too high, and theair conditionerwont dehumidify your air effectively; set it too low, and you create cold surfaces where water vapor can condense. The many risks are why Florida residents should learn how to take care of mold ahead of time. Remember that hurricane season hits in the summer and fall, bringing torrential rain and high winds, along with the risk of leaks and flooding. If 78 degrees seems too warm for personal comfort, set the air conditioner at a temperature point approximately 10 degrees below the current air temperature. Set the controls of your humidistat to 60 percent RH to maintain acceptable humidity and allow some leeway for any inaccuracy of the sensor. iMarket Solutions: Dedicated to Contractor Success, HVAC Blog by Envirotech Air Quality Services, Why Rooftop Units Are a Great Commercial HVAC Investment, air conditioner professionally maintained. Set on a sheet in the living room. Does an old air conditioner use more electricity as it ages? An indoorhumidity monitorwill help you keep track of moisture levels that, ideally, fall between 35% and 50% relative humidity; in very humid climates, at the height of summer, you may have to live with readings closer to 55%. How can I tell whether the condenser (outdoor unit) is an air conditioner or heat pump? Also, maintain your home at around 80 degrees when youre on vacation or at work. If you see signs of mildew or mold growth, contact an All Dry USA expert. Clutter blocks airflow and prevents yourHVAC systemfrom circulating air. When leaving your Florida home for the summer, the following tips may help prevent mildew and ensure an easier clean up when you return. If you require mold removal in Florida, All Dry USA is here to help! Call Larry & Sons when you need expert air conditioning service, repairs, installations or more! Put your lanai furniture inside the air-conditioned home. TheCenters for Disease Control and Preventionstate that mold exposure can lead to itchy or irritated eyes, wheezing, coughing, skin irritation, stuffy nose, and sore throat for people with a mold allergy. But make sure the windows are open and the area dries completely. From our team at All Dry USA, this is our complete guide for Florida homeowners ready to prevent mold. Shown below is an older, stand-along humidiat and a newer digital thermostat with built-in humidistat. To prevent blockage and mold buildup, pour a cup of bleach mixed with water down the drain annually. If mildew remains, sponge with a cloth moistened with 1 cup of denatured or rubbing alcohol mixed with 1 cup of water. To efficiently clean out mold requires specific tools, including: While mold and mildew seem similar, they are two different growths. Related:How to Use a Programmable Thermostat to Save Money. If the air conditioner fan switch is set to "On," it will run the blower fan constantly, causing the moisture to blow back into the home instead of draining down and out of the unit. One thats too big will fail to effectively remove humidity because the unit doesnt reach its full capacity in the first three minutes of operation. If it has started to grow indoors, you need to clean up dangerous mold in house areas immediately.

Set dehumidifiers at 58 percent by sinks and showers, and use one for every 1,000 square feet. Set the controls of your humidistats and/or dehumidifiers to 58 percent RH to maintain acceptable humidity, since some humidistat sensors are inaccurate by as many as 10 percentage points. Before summer starts, you may want to have a professional take a look at your A/C to make sure it is running optimally and removing as much water vapor as it should. How to Prevent Mold Using Your HVAC System. Dishwasher: Empty and leave the door open. Another flood-risk location is the condensate pan in your A/C unit which can clog and overflow. Other tips for using your A/C to prevent mold include setting your A/Cs fan mode to auto because setting it to on can cause moisture produced during the air conditioning process to be blown back into your home, reports the Florida Solar Energy Center. With Bens knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. For instance, the system can become clogged if air filters are not changed regularly, causing airflow to be obstructed. Why has the thermostat screen gone blank? Floridas near-tropical summer climate makes humidity control, flood protection and mold and mildew prevention three areas of concern for every absentee homeowner whether you are gone for the season or just a month or two. "telephone": "+1-305-476-9188",

Furnishing and drapes that block air supply vents create condensation, and the excess moisture creates what are called. If you can get it there, try to stay between 30 and 50 percent humidity indoors. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry thoroughly. Will closing doors reduce my heating and cooling costs? Why is my air conditioner not cooling enough? Chances are, you have mold in your home. Related:How to Get Rid of Stuff and Declutter Your Life. "@type": "Organization", What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners? Stop newspaper/mail deliveries. Homeowners have good reason to shudder when hearing, Youve got mold! Mold can wreck your health and your finances: An extensive mold remediation can reach five figures. Luckily, an HVAC system can help in all those areas. It may smell musty and look like dark green, yellow, brown, black, or gray spots. "logo": "https://kwpmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/kwlogo_FPO.png", Areas that retain a lot of moisture are especially vulnerable to mold growth. If you do, turn off the water valves to your washing machine, kitchen and bathroom sinks, dishwasher and toilets. Dry the item in the sun, if possible. Here at Florida Heat & Air, our on-call technicians are available to answer questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. }, Copyright KW Property Management & Consulting | All rights reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Transparency in Coverage, RV Resort & Motorcoach Residential Community Management, Residents May Be Able to Recover Special Assessments Levied Post-Storm, Property Insurance Claim Denied? Areas to check are around your toilets, washing machine, water heater, shower stalls or bathtubs, dishwasher, and refrigerator. If you live in a condo or apartment, set your A/C at 77 degrees. How can I find out the size of my air conditioner? Your air conditioner is your dehumidifier. Read on to learn why mold is dangerous and how to prevent mold using an HVAC system. Schedule an inspection with All Dry USA today. Humidity Management: Normal humidity levels are between 30 and 50 percent. Inhaling mold spores can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks in certain individuals. Change your A/C filter. |, 2771 Vista Pkwy, Ste F7,

Having it too low while leaving the home unoccupied can create problems too, so be sure to stick to the 78-80 degree range. Why is my air conditioner not cooling enough? To prevent moisture problems and maximize energy efficiency, set the thermostat at 78 degrees F. When you open windows and doors, you let air conditioning escape, waste money, and invite humid air into your cooler home. However, these infestations wont always grow in visible areas. How can I find out the size of my air conditioner? If you have occasional bouts of dampness and musty smells, aportable dehumidifierwill suffice ($150-$200). Water sensors can be situated anywhere prone to flooding and leaks under your sink, by a toilet, by doors and windows, or under appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher. An HVAC system is designed to improve air circulation throughout the home.

Pay attention to your electric bills. Even if you think theyve already started to freeze. Once inside, it can grow on almost any type of material, including wood, tile, fabric, and more. "@type": "ContactPoint", All this moisture creates microclimates in your home that welcome and feed mold growth. Mold can also trigger asthma symptoms in individuals who suffer from the condition. Because of this, you should aim to keep your house temperature around the low- to mid-70s. Mold needs certain conditions to grow, and unfortunately for those who live in hot and humid places like Maryland in the summer, the heat plus the humidity create a moist environment where mold and dust mites thrive, notes RSI. Butsomething a bit more unpleasant comes alongside those wonderful things: mold.