One of the primary sources of indoor mold growth in Orlando, Florida is condensation. It gathers in bathrooms after showers, HVAC systems from outside air, and around windows, as window seals break and hot outdoor air comes in more direct contact with the cold a/c side of your windows.
Prevention is always less costly than the possibility of mold remediation down the road. However if you are experiencing mold-related health symptoms and have no flooding or leaks. Condensation and hidden mold growth may very well be the culprit.
It is no secret that mold grows where there is an abundance of moisture.
Living in Florida it can be a daunting task trying to figure out ways to avoid mold growth in your home. One of the most common places we see mold growth is around windows. This is often due to condensation build-up. By definition, condensation is water droplets that collect on a cold surface when humid air comes into contact with it. So, you might be thinking, “How can I possibly avoid condensation when I live in one of the most humid environments in the country?” Well, you can use what you have at your disposal – your HVAC system!
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system will help to ensure that it continues working properly and effectively. Did you know your HVAC is also a dehumidifier? By pulling moisture out of the air and freezing it to the coils where it runs out the drip pan, your AC is working hard to blow out dry air into your home. By making sure the duct lines and coils stay clean and the filter is changed regularly you are helping your HVAC work the best it can by keeping the relative humidity inside your home low.
There are other things you can do to keep the humidity in your home low. Using the bathroom fans every time you shower or bathe, leaving the bathroom door open after you shower or bathe, using the overhead vent when cooking, and hanging clothes to dry outside are all simple changes you can make to your routine that will have a huge impact on the overall humidity in your home.
Keeping the moisture and humidity low is going to significantly reduce your chances of ever having to call a mold remediation company.
Maintenance is also a huge factor that will help to reduce this risk. Check your windows regularly and make sure your seals are not broken. How can you tell if your window seal is broken? If your windows are foggy and wiping the glass does nothing to reduce the fog, then the condensation is between the panes. This is an immediate sign that your window seals are broken and need repair. Resealing your windows is inexpensive compared to the cost of full mold remediation.
In short, condensation is one of the main factors causing the mold growth in and around windows. By using your HVAC system and regularly maintaining your windows and AC unit, you can greatly reduce your risk of mold spores and growth.