Undetected leaks in the building en-
velope are breeding grounds for mold colonies. These leaks often appear in roofs, around windows and doors and in crawl spaces and basements. Yearly inspections of your home provide a good pro-active strategy in preventing moisture infiltration. This inspection should include observing your attic while it is raining, observing your crawl space floor for puddling, and doing a thorough examination of the ex- terior of your home, including making sure your gutters are clean, checking the caulk- ing around windows and doors and seeing that the ground around your foundation pitches away from your house.
While few people would argue that we are better off without indoor plumbing, it is the introduction of water into the home that has become one of the major causes of unintended mold growth in households today. Many homes with poor indoor air quality frequently have their problems traced back to plumbing leaks. These may be slow drips behind walls or larger plumbing failures pouring substan- tial quantities of water inside your living space. These areas should be dried thor-
oughly and immediately. Make sure that the places you cannot readily see also receive your attention. If you have any visible mold growth, or suspicion of mold growth behind walls you should address removing the mold immediately.
Heating and air conditioning equip- ment can be another source for high levels of moisture in your home. According to
www.toolbase.org “Oversized cooling systems can result in poor dehumidifica- tion. Although the system lowers the temperature quickly, it does not run long enough to dehumidify the home. Experts agree that abnormally high indoor humid- ity conditions contribute to poor air qual- ity and may create conditions for mold growth.” If you feel this is an issue in your home, consult with a licensed HVAC con- tractor.
A large amount of moisture is gener-
ated in kitchens and baths. Hoods are installed over ranges and fans are usually placed in bathrooms. It is important to make sure that these fans are drawing suf- ficient air and are venting to the outside of your home. Energy Star requirements
Submitted by Gary Silverstein of ERS (En- ergy Reduction Specialists of NC). For more information, visit
www.ERSofNC. com, or call 336-643-9199 for your home energy assessment. See ad on page 40.
include bath fans that pull a minimum of 50 cfm (cubic feet per minute) and kitchen fans that pull a minimum of 100 cfm. Proper installation of the ductwork of these fans is critical for these devices to work to their potential. Pinching and elbowing of the ductwork can significantly diminish the effectiveness of these valuable mois- ture removers. It is important to note the obvious that no matter how powerful a fan may be it requires our efforts to make sure it gets turned on. There are motion detec- tor/timer operated switches available for fans that can greatly increase the oppor- tunity for removal of moisture in these critical locations. Though we do not view indoor air in
the same way we see the beauty of a new kitchen or a remodeled bath, we need to realize the value of this critical and often overlooked aspect of our everyday envi- ronment.
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336.232.4847 Natural Triad Magazine DECEMBER 2012 23
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