Mold is a concern for many homeowners, especially those who live in more humid climates. But what can you do to help combat and prevent mold growth? Air conditioning does more than just make the home comfortable. It also helps control the moisture and humidity and promotes better airflow. And that is why air conditioning repair in Cupertino, CA can also help combat mold.
What is Mold?
Mold is the name for small organisms that make up a form of fungus. Mold is everywhere. It sprouts from microscopic spores in the air that latch onto objects. Under the right conditions, the spores will reproduce until they become visible to the naked eye. There are many types of mold that can occur outdoors and indoors, on food, or on walls.
Where Does Mold Grow?
Mold thrives in warm, dark, damp environments and can spread rapidly. Moisture from a leak, stagnant water, or high humidity levels can all lead to mold growth. Mold seems to appear most often in areas like basements and crawlspaces, but it can also become a problem in areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms. It is important to routinely check for mold around areas like bathtubs, sinks, toilets, pantries, indoor plants, air conditioning units, windows, and doors.
What Does Mold Do?
When found in nature, mold helps break down dead trees and plants. When found in the home, mold can damage walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, and substructures. It can also cause a number of health problems for the occupants by releasing spores into the air. If you have lung disease or allergies then you probably know full well the effect mold can have on health.
Though it affects people differently, if a person breathes in the mold spores they can enter the lungs and exacerbate existing health problems or cause a variety of new issues. Common reactions to mold include itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing.
What are Ways to Identify Mold in the Home?
There are several things to watch for if you suspect mold in the home. The most obvious is visible signs of mold, but if mold is visible you probably have a bigger problem on your hands. You want to catch mold before it becomes so obvious. Early signs of mold include water spots or a musty odor. You might also notice symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny nose that don’t seem to stem from anything other than simply being in the home.
What are Some Ways to Prevent Mold?
Airflow is an important factor. Opening the windows for fresh air and running the fan in areas where the air gets stale is a good start. Making sure your air conditioner is in good repair and running the air conditioner is another good way to control humidity and prevent mold. It is also important to identify leaks and get them repaired as soon as possible before mold has a chance to spread.
Regular maintenance and air conditioning repair in Cupertino, CA will keep your HVAC system in good shape so it can help combat mold growth. If you need to set up an appointment, contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning.
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