Hot and Cold Spots, Mildew, and Mold

Hot and Cold Spots

The human body has its own heating system, which generates more heat than it needs. Our bodily heat surplus is continually emitted into the surrounding air. Thus, the real purpose of any home heating system is simply to keep our bodies at a comfortable level and control the amount of heat we emit. But sometimes the temperature in your house can vary between floors or from room to room. You might notice that some rooms are cold and some are hot. This makes us feel uncomfortable in general, but also affects our home air quality and energy costs.

You may have a problem with temperature balance if you notice that:

Certain areas are always too cold or too hot
Second floor rooms may be too hot in the summer
Basement rooms are too cold
Your home office you are uncomfortable

Heat from the sun is making one side of your house uncomfortably warmer

Indoor Air Quality tips:

Use ceiling fans to help increase circulation
Check that vents are unobstructed by furniture or decorations
Make sure that your heating and cooling system is working properly

Mildew

Mildew in the home is a thin, black (sometimes white) growth on surfaces caused by mold. Mold spores are always present in the air, but the spores that cause mildew growth need moisture and warmth to thrive. Because of this, mildew in the home is commonly found on shower curtains, damp clothes, in crawl spaces, basement draperies and rugs, and in cellars. Mildew can cause considerable damage, and gives of a musty odor.

Indoor Air Quality tips:

Any kind of mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory problems to sensitive individuals, so it is important to control the growth of mold and mildew in your home.
Use ventilation fans to the outside from the kitchen and bathrooms.
Vent clothes dryers to the outside.
Remove carpeting in basements and bathrooms, and remove any other moldy carpeting.
Keep your home clean, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
Keep relative humidity between 30% and 50%.
Install proper filtration to remove excess airborne particles in the home.

Mold

Mold in the home is a microscopic fungus that produces tiny spores to reproduce. These spores float through the air continually, and can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. When mold spores land on wet areas indoors, they begin to grow, and to release more mold spores, and this is how mold in the home propagates.

Any warm, damp areas can attract mold growth. Common areas in your home are bathrooms, showers, drains, basements, cellars, towels, washcloths, closets and attics.

People who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions should avoid exposure to mold growth. There is no way to get rid of mold in the home, but there are actions you can take to prevent it.

Indoor Air Quality tips:

Keep all surfaces in your home clean, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Make sure the showers, bathtubs, and sinks (inside and underneath), are cleaned regularly.
Remove carpeting in basements and bathrooms, and remove any other moldy carpeting.
Install insulation with a good vapor barrier to prevent the buildup of condensation on or within walls.
Replace any water damaged items (carpet, flooring, walls) in the home right away.
Keep relative humidity between 30% and 50%.
Install proper filtration to remove excess airborne particles in the home.

Tom Rostron Co., Inc.

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