The cold winter weather here in Westchester and Fairfield counties creates the perfect environment mold growth. It’s likely that your family is tracking in water from the rain and recent snowstorms then cranking up the heat once inside causing humidity indoors – which are some of the main culprits of mold growth in the winter. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can take to prevent mold before it’s too late:
Set Your Ceiling Fans in Reverse
Did you know that you are supposed to change the direction of your ceiling fans in the summer and winter? In the winter, they should be set to turn clockwise because it will pull the cold air up and draw the warm air down. Rotating your ceiling fans each season will keep your home warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. It will also help save you money on your energy bills. Fans are beneficial all year long because they move air around, improving air circulation and eliminating mold-causing condensation from the windows and walls.
Keep Indoor Humidity Below 45%
The best way to stay ahead of indoor mold growth is to keep a watchful eye on your home’s moisture level. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that you keep the indoor humidity level at 45% or below. Utilize dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity, like basements, to check the levels and keep it under the recommended level. It’s important to locate the moisture source immediately as mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours of initial exposure.
Always Use Exhaust Fans
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important rooms to have proper air circulation during the winter months. The steam caused by showering and cooking increases during this time of year because of the contrast between the temperature outdoors and indoors. It is important to use your exhaust fans each time you cook or shower and for 20-30 minutes after – which will help eliminate the moisture and condensation that will cause mold to form.
Maintain Roof Gutters
You should be cleaning and repairing your roof gutters regularly, but if you haven’t checked them this winter, now is the time. Dead leaves and sticks can build up over time in winter and clog the gutter system. Take the time to ensure your gutters are clean and that the water is flowing away from the home’s foundation. You want to do this to avoid causing water damage to your basement, which leads to mold growth.
Call in Professional Help
If you find a mold or mildew problem in your home, it is crucial that you take care of it as soon as possible. Mold remediation can be a difficult task to handle on your own, so we always recommend that you hire a professional mold removing service.
Our expert mold remediation team has the experience and training to successfully remove any mold infestation on your property. If you live in Westchester or Fairfield Counties and think you may have mold growing in your home, ServiceMaster Superior Cleaning & Restoration Services can help! We can help you identify the cause and source of the mold and leave you with solutions of how to stop it from happening again in the future. Contact us today!