How To Reduce Mold in Your Home With Proper Ventilation

Mold is an unwelcome guest that can wreak havoc on any home, making it one of the most common issues homeowners and renters struggle with. It thrives in moist environments, so proper ventilation is one of the best tools for preventing mold. 

However, many homeowners are unaware their ventilation could use some improvement. This guide will give you tips on how to improve the ventilation in your home and what warning signs to look for to prevent mold growth.

Why Mold Occurs

Mold spores are present in most environments and can begin growing when they land on damp surfaces. Mold grows in humidity levels above 60%, standing water, and porous materials such as drywall, carpeting, and wood.

Common Household Moisture Sources

Mold can grow almost anywhere, especially near the following sources:

• Cooking without proper ventilation
• Steam from bathing and showering
• Using appliances that produce condensation, such as dishwashers and clothes dryers
• Plumbing leaks
• Flooding or water intrusion
• High outdoor humidity penetrating the home

Controlling your home’s humidity level helps prevent mold before it becomes a problem. If you wait too long to make a change, it’ll only get worse.

For more on preventing and getting rid of mold, check out the video below.

Mold Safety Risks

Mold is more than just an eyesore—it’s a health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, burning eyes, or skin rash. In extreme cases, it can cause fever or shortness of breath.

Prolonged exposure to mold can lead to more severe reactions, so it’s best to get rid of mold ‌as soon as you notice it.

Signs of a Ventilation Problem

It’s important to recognize the warning signs of inadequate ventilation before it becomes a major problem. Homeowners should watch for the following signs:

• Condensation on surfaces such as windows and bathroom mirrors
• A musty odor throughout the home
• Peeling paint or warped surfaces from trapped moisture
• Drafts from windows and doors
• High humidity readings on the thermostat or a hygrometer
• Difficulty controlling indoor temperature and comfort
• Visible mold growth in corners or along baseboards
• Unusually dusty or stale air

If you notice any of the signs above, consider adding bathroom and kitchen fans, performing HVAC preventative maintenance, and sealing your home from moisture intrusion. Acting as soon as these signs appear can save on costly repairs down the line.

Improving Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key for removing excess moisture from your home before it leads to mold issues. Here are some tips for improving ventilation in moisture-prone areas of the home:

Kitchen Ventilation

The kitchen generates humidity through cooking and appliance use. To improve kitchen ventilation:

• Use stove ventilation: Use the stove’s ventilation system when cooking. If your current vent isn’t working well, consider installing a vent hood with a higher CFM rating. Run the vent hood for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking to clear moisture.
• Allow cross-ventilation: Open a window while cooking when possible to allow cross-ventilation. Likewise, avoid blocking kitchen exhaust vents with decor or furniture.

Bathroom Ventilation

Bathrooms are also prone to moisture buildup, specifically during showers. Here’s how to improve bathroom ventilation:

• Use exhaust fans: Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan while showering and leave it on for at least 30 minutes afterward.
• Upgrade older fans: If your bathroom fan is over 15 years old, consider replacing it with a new one. Older fans may not be strong enough to impact moisture levels. Consider upgrading to a humidity-sensing fan that automatically runs when it detects a certain humidity percentage.
• Check and repair ductwork: Inspect exhaust fan ductwork for leaks, separations, or obstructions. Make the necessary repairs to improve ventilation.
• Add window ventilation: If possible, consider adding a small window to bathrooms without one. This can provide natural ventilation and additional light.

Laundry Room Ventilation

Clothes dryers produce humid air that needs proper ventilation to outside. To improve laundry room ventilation:

• Use rigid metal ductwork: Make sure your dryer venting uses rigid metal ductwork, limiting bends and kinks, and connects properly to your home’s exterior vent hood.
• Remove lint: Clean out lint buildup from ductwork and the dryer vent hood regularly. Run the dryer for a few minutes after your clothes are dry to clear any remaining warm, moist air from the system.
• Add a dehumidifier: Consider adding a ventilation fan or portable dehumidifier to help control moisture in the laundry room.

Using Dehumidifiers

If adding ventilation isn’t an option, portable dehumidifiers can help. When using dehumidifiers, consider the following:

• Placement: Install dehumidifiers in areas prone to high humidity, such as basements, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms.
• Capacity: Choose a dehumidifier with the appropriate capacity for the space. Otherwise, you’ll have to empty it every few hours.
• Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain dehumidifiers to ensure optimal performance.

Ventilation Upgrades

For homeowners looking to make drastic changes to their home’s ventilation, consider the following upgrades:

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

ERVs exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two air streams. ERVs have a high initial cost, but they can save energy costs over time by reducing the workload on HVAC systems.

Smart Ventilation Systems

Smart ventilation systems can automatically adjust ventilation based on indoor air quality and humidity levels. Homeowners can monitor and control ventilation settings from their smartphones or other devices. Likewise, smart ventilation systems can often integrate with other smart home devices, creating an automated home environment.

Installing Air Exchangers

Air exchangers pull fresh outdoor air into the home while expelling stale indoor air, maintaining constant ventilation. You’ll need a professional HVAC company to install it to ensure optimal performance.

If you’re not sure which HVAC company to hire for your project, check out our list of the best HVAC companies.

Final Thoughts About Reducing Mold

While no home can ever be completely mold-proof, improving your ventilation helps prevent problems from happening in the first place. However, if your mold problem is already severe, you may need professional help to get rid of it.

Use the link below to get an estimate on mold removal from a professional in your area.