Mold can grow in places where enough moisture exists, and mold spores can enter your Baltimore, Maryland, home through your doors, windows, HVAC system, or insulation gaps. These spores can cause allergies, and some molds contain mycotoxins that irritate your skin, aggravate asthma, and cause flu-like symptoms. By cleaning ducts, monitoring water damage, and controlling humidity levels, Baltimore homeowners can prevent serious mold problems in the home.
Check Your Ducts
To check your ductwork, remove a heating register and shine a flashlight into the duct interior. If you spot noticeable accumulations of debris or discover a musty smell, you should clean your ducts. Mold can also grow on the insulation around ducts in addition to the inside of the ductwork itself.
Be sure to call a professional to replace any parts of moldy insulation.
Watch for Water Damage
Mold can start growing in a matter of days. Watch for water damage and correct the problem as soon as possible. Even a minor leak in your plumbing can turn into a major mold problem.
Check your roof at least once a year for leaks and watch for dark spots on ceilings or walls. After water damage, replace anything you can’t dry completely in one or two days. Since ceiling tiles and drywall can be hard to clean thoroughly, any porous material that has come into contact with water should be replaced.
Control Your Home’s Humidity
Even without water damage, high humidity encourages mold growth. Use an exhaust fan when you take a shower, cook, wash dishes, or dry clothing. Fans should vent to the outside of your home to lower humidity effectively.
You can also use a dehumidifier in humid areas like your basement. Appliances such as whole-home dehumidifiers, which connect with your home’s ductwork and HVAC system’s air handler, can be the most effective ways to control home humidity.
Our trained professionals at Griffith Energy Services can help you with your home’s HVAC needs, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. Call us at 888-474-3391 to schedule an appointment.
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