We have conducted basement and entire home mold remediations where the only cause of mold growth was stagnant, humid air due to the fact that the HVAC system had been turned off. It is especially important to clean the air ducts. Cast a critical eye on household clutter, and pare down your stuff. Running an air conditioner in the summer not only cools the air, it also dries the air. *We are an Amazon affiliate company and we do occasionally receive compensation for products that you purchase through links on our website. If the buyer is worried about mold spores, he should check the home or apartment where he lives. To learn more about mold’s effects on mental health check out our posts: Mold and Mycotoxins: Effects on the Brain and Nervous System in Adults and Effects of Mold on Children’s Health. There is a common misconception that basement HVAC systems are unnecessary because the temperature inside most basements stays relatively constant throughout the year. Airflow and Ventilation. Because humidity levels vary from day to day, the thermostat should have been left at or below 74 degrees, and the fan should have been set to "On.". Leave on the Air Conditioning to Avoid Mold. Your air conditioner can control the temperature and humidity in your home, which can prevent mold growth. Temperatures are ideal and there’s plenty of moisture for them to grow. Save on utility bills and head off carbon monoxide problems with these tips. However, as the summer temperatures skyrocket, the colder air conditioned air creates condensation. Asbestos Abatement Improving air circulation within the basement is possible by installing ceiling or room fans. It can help prevent the causes of mold by making sure there are no issues that can cause moisture leaks. Limited ventilation in most basements leads to humid, stagnant, smelly air, and will eventually lead to mold growth. Blog information is NOT intended to provide or replace medical advice. When the temperature reaches 77ºF, the a/c will still kick on and cool and reduce the humidity. Window units are better suited to smaller basements that do not have multiple rooms. The way dehumidifiers work is that they create heat in order to absorb moisture. Even healthy adults who do not have allergies or asthma can be affected by mold and poor indoor air quality. Answer: With a little investigation, I was able to gain some additional information about the sale of your home. Mold causes serious indoor air quality problems and can make you very sick. (706) 510-0335 HVAC systems can also grow mold inside the system, and you don’t want that! If the HVAC system is not running, then the air is not being conditioned or filtered. During the hot, humid summer months, set your air conditioner to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. So, how can you control moisture and prevent mold growth in humid climates? A cheaper, but less effective alternative, is a window mounted air conditioner/heater unit. info@branchenvironmental.com, Mold Inspections However, in a low ceiling basement, ceiling fans could be dangerous since they might be too close to your head! All rights reserved. 1) Ensure proper air conditioning: Use quality AC units properly sized for your house. Leaving the air conditioning running in your home will not only cool your home, it will help remove moisture from the air and help circulate and filter the air. Your initial reaction to minimize mold may be to keep your air conditioner set to lower temperatures. Leaving the air conditioning running in your home will not only cool your home, it will help remove moisture from the air and help circulate and filter the air. Your air conditioner is designed to help dehumidify your home, removing excess moisture and preventing mold’s growth. Sawmills: 1.5 million CFU/m3 (colony-forming units per cubic meter of air). Why should it matter if mold grows? Table of Contents. Contact A wet, humid environment encourages mold to grow and to spread. Mold can grow and odors can develop in a basement or living space of a home simply because the HVAC system has been turned off. Clean your AC drain line regularly. ... which can cause mold problems. Question: In the process of selling my home, the buyers requested a home inspection. But one thing it cannot do is kill mold. Basically, the article states that there are no scientific studies that show molds are unhealthy at typical indoor levels. As a company, we believe that no one should live or work in a building that makes them sick. Your air conditioner (AC) can do several things––keep your South Carolina home’s indoor air cooler than outdoor temperatures, help to keep indoor airborne allergens at bay, and help keep your home’s humidity low.