Preventing Basement Mold

Perhaps no other single word catches the immediate attention of homeowners like “mold.”

Insurance companies have issued untold numbers of notices about mold and about how they might or might not handle claims. Government agencies have published detailed information about mold in your home and its possible impact on human health, including allergic reactions as well as effects on those with asthma and other respiratory ailments. Investigative reports in the media all point to one clear-cut idea: Mold is bad for your bank account and bad for your health.

It only makes sense to do all you can to reduce the impact on mold in your living environment. One place to look for telltale signs of mold is a common area of the home where moisture has been known to collect – the basement. And one way to try to reduce the moisture content in a basement’s atmosphere is to make use of air conditioning and ventilation.

Air circulation in a basement can be helped by installing room or ceiling fans. You can also improve basement ventilation by directly venting its air to the outside via a basement fan. The objective is not so much to clean or filter air as to keep replacing stale air with fresh air. Left to itself, stagnant basement air will eventually result in the growth of mold. And once the growth starts, it can be difficult to stop, particularly if it spreads to areas where it is difficult to detect, such as behind drywall and baseboards. Use of a dehumidifier may also be necessary to reduce basement moisture.

Air conditioning modifies the humidity and temperature of the atmosphere to make indoor living more comfortable. Running an air conditioner can also help to dry out the atmosphere of your home. If your A/C system services the basement, running it can help to stop mold. And even though basement spaces tend to stay cooler than the rest of the house, it’s important to keep that subterranean air moving and fresh. Otherwise, mold may start to grow and spread —even if the A/C is running but can’t circulate air because you have chosen to close basement vents.

All air needs filtering to prevent the buildup of dirt and moisture that can lead to mold infestation. Contact AC World to see how ventilation and air conditioning can work together to keep your home a healthier place to live.