Preventing Mold in Florida Homes During Summer Travels
Florida summers are best known for a few particular things: heat, rain, and humidity. This combination of things creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Although any season can bring mold, the summer is the most likely one. If you are a seasonal resident in Florida, this season may be tricky for you. When you leave your home for the summer months, you probably want to prevent mold growth. Even if you are taking a shorter vacation, it is still vital that you keep your home protected from mold.
Today we will talk about preventing mold during the summer in Florida when you leave your home.
Controlling Mold Growth
There are many different things to check and do to prevent mold growth in your summer home. Here are several ways to help prevent mold growth when you are not there.
Check Humidity Levels
Humidity is one of the most significant contributors to mold growth. Humidity up to 50% humidity is best, If parts of your home regularly have humidity levels above 55%, it makes it easy for mold to grow. Monitor places in your home that have higher humidity levels before you leave. Some areas that are often more humid are the bathrooms, attic, basement, and kitchen. If you find some areas are very humid, consider getting a whole-house dehumidifier. This type of dehumidifier can connect to your HVAC system.
Ensure Proper Ventilation and Airflow
Another thing you can do to help areas that are typically more warm and damp is to ensure proper ventilation. Areas such as your bathroom, attic, and basement do not always have adequate airflow. Vents and fans help make sure the air flows through these areas. Make sure you do not have any furniture blocking airflow through your home as well.
Before you leave your home, make sure all your indoor doors are open. This helps air flow through your home when you are away. It is sometimes helpful to open closet and cabinet doors as well. We do not recommend using garment bags or covering furniture, as these can hold humidity.
Set Your A/C
Before you leave your home for the summer, make sure your A/C is set to prevent mold growth best. A lot of people turn their A/C off when they leave, but this is not ideal. It must be set to auto, to have airflow at all times. If you have a programmable thermostat, we suggest running your A/C cooler overnight. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, keep your A/C set no higher than 76 degrees. If you have an apartment or condo, set it a couple of degrees cooler.
If you have a smart thermostat, this can be very helpful in monitoring the heat and humidity levels in your home. If you see the moisture and heat levels rise, you can simply turn the A/C on using your phone. If you’re a seasonal Florida resident, this is something to consider.
Watch for Leaks and Condensation
Before leaving your Florida home, make sure any leaks or cracks are sealed. You do not want rain blowing into your home through a crack that could have been fixed. Florida has a lot of rain over the summer. You must make sure you do everything you can to prevent that water from entering. With the combined humidity and heat of the summer, it would most definitely allow for mold growth.
If you spot any plumbing or appliance leaks, have those checked and fixed before you leave. We also recommend shutting off your water when you leave. Regular maintenance on your A/C or HVAC system is ideal. This ensures proper temperature control and prevents leaks and condensation buildup.
Use Mold-Resistant Materials
If you have any sections in your home that you may be repairing or replacing, consider using moisture and mold-resistant materials. This includes things like mold-resistant paint and moisture-controlling insulation or a house wrap. These can be very helpful in preventing mold growth.
Keep Things Clean
Make sure all areas of your home are clean and dry before you leave. You do not want dirt or extra moisture sitting around, as these feed mold growth. If you happen to discover mold growing before you leave, it is best to hire a professional mold remediation company to remove it. You do not want to leave it, as mold can continue to spread and grow.
Enjoy Your Summer!
After taking all the preventative steps to protect your Florida home from mold, we hope you have a great summer!