Mildew on My Woodwork: What’s Wrong?

When you notice your wood baseboards or window sills are covered in mildew, it can be alarming. Not only is this unhealthy and bad for your expensive woodwork, it can mean there is a problem with moisture in your home. Mildew growing on surfaces is a sign that you may need to consider a change in your HVAC system.

Mildew flourishes in high-moisture air and unventilated areas. It is normal to have mildew appear in high humidity rooms like your bathroom, especially when it is not properly ventilated. However, it should be easy to control if you have a good HVAC system and air filter. Circulating and filtering the air helps remove moisture and mold spores from the air, keeping mildew at bay. However, if your HVAC system is not working properly, or there is high humidity in your region, you may experience mold and mildew in your home.

Combatting High Humidity

To stop mildew and mold, you must reduce the humidity in your home. Ideally, the humidity in your home should average about 40-50% to keep mold and mildew at bay. If you have been having mildew problems, call your local HVAC service. They can test the humidity in your air and do a complete inspection on your HVAC system. It may need a tune-up, new filter or duct cleaning to improve your air quality. If the humidity in your home is too high, they can recommend a dehumidification system that can be added to your HVAC to lower the moisture content in your air.

Mildew on woodwork and other surfaces should be taken seriously, as you may have mold growing in other areas in your home. Talk to your HVAC service company to find a solution to keep your home mold and mildew free.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

Signs that You May Need a Dehumidifier in Your Home

Humidity can be an issue, especially in certain regions of the country. The southeast is particularly prone to high humidity, which can affect the comfort and air quality in your home. Humid air is not just uncomfortable, it can cause damage to wood and other materials in your home. Mold can lead to expensive repairs and put your family’s health at risk. Here are a few signs that you may need to lower the humidity in your home with a dehumidifier.

  • Musty smell. The distinct musty smell of mildew is a sign you may have too much humidity in your home. This means there is mold in your home, whether it is hiding in cardboard boxes in the garage or growing in the corners of your bathroom.
  • Condensation on windows. If you notice constant condensation on windows or glass doors in your home, too much humidity may be a problem. This water condensation can ruin the trim and molding around doors and windows; it can also lead to dangerous black mold that can release harmful spores into the air.
  • Mold growth on walls, doors and ceiling is a bad sign. This means the air is humid enough to allow mold to grow on an open surface. Cleaning the mold off the surface is only a temporary fix – you need to control the moisture levels in your home.

If you have any of these signs of humidity or the humidity level in your home is constantly spiking above 50-60%, you should consider adding a whole home dehumidifier to your HVAC system. This can improve your air quality, protecting your home and family.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

Is There Too Much Humidity in Your Home?

Moist air can cause issues when it is contained within your home. High humidity can create mold issues and damage to materials in your home. This can lead to health problems for your family and expensive repairs to your property. Monitoring and managing humidity is important, especially in regions of the country that experience high humidity during certain seasons of the year. Here is how to check your humidity levels and what to do if they are too high within your home.

Checking Your Humidity Levels

If you are concerned about the humidity levels in your home, you can use a hygrometer or humidity sensor to check your levels. Your local HVAC service professional can also check them for you. The ideal level in most homes is between 35-45%. However, the temperature outside and time of year can influence these levels. If your levels are reaching 60% or higher, you can be at risk for mold growth in your home.

Managing Humidity Levels

If you have high humidity throughout your home, you can effectively manage by adding a dehumidifier to your air conditioning or HVAC system. This can moderate the humidity and keep it at a safe level in your home. It is worth the investment to avoid health complications in your family due to mold growth. It can also protect your home from moisture and mold damage that can cost you thousands of dollars to repair.

Humidity can be a serious issue in your home if left unchecked. Talk to your local HVAC service company to learn more about humidity testing and dehumidifier options for your home’s heating or cooling system.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

Is Summer Humidity Getting You Hot Under The Collar?

It’s not just the summer heat that can make some days unbearable. Even with an excellent air conditioner in your home, you can still feel too warm when the humidity is high. In addition to detracting from your comfort, there are many other good reasons to control the humidity in your home. Humid conditions can lead to mold, insect problems and even moisture damage in your home. 

Controlling Humidity In Your Home

If you notice that you are still hot, sweaty and sticky even when the temperature is cool in your home, you may have a humidity problem. Other signs may be a musty smell, condensation on windows and even warping of walls or floorboards. Humidity in homes should be ideally about 45%, ranging between 30-50%. If you levels are higher than 50%, it is time to get a whole house dehumidifier

There are two primary options when it comes to adding a whole house dehumidifier to your home. You can either opt for a dehumidifier which works with your air conditioning unit, or you can have a separate system just for humidity. These systems are quiet and work efficiently, with sensors to keep your entire home at a comfortable and safe humidity level all year round. Most units are easy to maintain, only needing a filter change once a year to keep your air clean and at the right moisture level. 

If you are ready to experience the difference a whole house dehumidifier can make, call your local HVAC professional to discuss installing a new unit in your home. You will be surprised at the level of comfort it can provide while keeping excess moisture from damaging your home.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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