Mold and Allergy Prevention

Have you started your fall and winter preparations around the house? 

After an unusually dry summer with record-setting high temperatures on several days, Connecticut homeowners are no doubt looking forward to the cooler months ahead. 

Before you bid farewell to the warm weather, follow this quick checklist to guard against mold growth and keep your indoor air quality healthy. Because the last thing you want during cold and flu season is an indoor mold problem or to be plagued by fall dust allergies. 

✔ Inspect the attic for signs of mold. 

Attics are notorious for mold growth. And because most are used for occasional storage or not at all, an undetected attic mold problem can accelerate quickly (we’re talking days, not weeks). If allowed to enter your ventilation system, harmful mold spores can spread throughout the home and impact the health of your family and pets. 

A good rule of thumb is to check every three to six months for signs of mold growth. Attic spaces can get pretty steamy in the summer, and cooling nighttime temperatures in the latter half of the year can lead to condensation, especially if you haven’t reinsulated lately. If you find evidence of mold growth, contact a mold remediation specialist as soon as possible to examine your attic and make a plan for removal and new growth prevention. 

✔ Schedule a whole-house fog treatment. 

On those nicer summer days when we welcomed the fresh air indoors, opportunistic mold spores may have snuck in through open windows or doors. Be sure to schedule your whole-house fog treatment before you close up shop in anticipation of the colder weather. 

CT Mold Pros uses a powerful antimicrobial fogging agent to penetrate tight spaces and remove contaminants. The fast-neutralizing fog dissipates in minutes, allowing us to go from room to room in your home and complete the process quickly. This lessens the burden on your air filters and helps to ensure a healthier indoor environment.

✔ Prioritize indoor air quality.

Speaking of a healthier indoor environment, how often do you clean and disinfect your air ducts? Everyday contaminants such as dust, dirt, pet dander, mold, and mildew can get trapped inside your air ducts and may trigger allergies and breathing problems during the colder months (during which we tend to stay inside with the windows and doors tightly shut). Air ducts should be cleaned and sanitized about every three years. 

In addition to showing your air ducts a little TLC, invest in a high-quality air purification system to ensure your indoor air remains clean and breathable all year long. Beyond by Aerus™ clean air solutions are designed to neutralize contaminants at the molecular level and safeguard health. Their proprietary ActivePure® technology is proven to reduce up to 99.9% of many common airborne and surface contaminants. 

✔ Don’t forget the basement. 

Most Connecticut homes have basements. And most of those basements tend to get pretty damp. Whether as the result of seasonal storms or unexpected water damage, a damp basement is a magnet for mold growth. Even if you only use the space for storage, always check the basement as you make your fall and winter preparations. 

If you know your basement is prone to dampness, install a dehumidifier now to save yourself the expense and the headache of a major mold remediation project come spring. Even smarter, you can install a whole-house dehumidifier to channel condensation out of your home through a pipe or designated drain line.

Especially if you live in an older residential home prone to damp conditions, installing a dehumidifier is highly recommended. When compared with single units, whole-house units are typically quieter and more efficient, with a longer lifespan and less maintenance overall. 

Breathe easy come fall and winter. 

With a little preparation, you can keep your home free of mold and other contaminants as the seasons change—and the team at CT Mold Pros can help! 

From mold testing and remediation to water damage restoration and indoor air quality solutions, our experienced technicians have the training and tools necessary to ensure your home is the oasis it should be throughout the year. 

Call us today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out our online form with your message and we will respond shortly. You can also browse through our past blog posts for more helpful tips and information.