How to Prevent Mold and Mildew in the Home

Mold and mildew are a homemaker’s nightmare, particularly in high-humidity areas of the country (such as Massachusetts and other coastal New England states). Once found, it can be costly and difficult to rid a home of serious mold or mildew problems. Understanding mold and mildew is key to preventing them from becoming a problem in the first place.

What Are Mold and Mildew?

Both mold and mildew are common household fungi, but they are not the same kind of fungus. Mold is commonly found in household dust, whereas mildew tends to grow on flat surfaces. Both mold and mildew are airborne, and both change color with time.

Mold usually has a slimy or fuzzy texture and can look black, blue, green, or even red. It occurs on walls, ceilings, and on or around air ducts, as well as on food like bread or cheese. Black mold in particular (usually Stachybotrys chartarum) is associated with post-hurricane “sick house syndrome” and attendant health issues like exacerbated asthma, allergic reactions, and upper-respiratory infections.

Mildew, while also a fungus, grows on organic surfaces like wood, paper, leather, textiles, walls, ceilings, and, most famously, on the grout between both bathroom and kitchen tiles. It usually looks like a white powder at first and then turns shades of brown, yellow, or black as it ages.

Both mold and mildew require the same conditions for growth: moisture, heat, and darkness—a commonly-occurring combination in many areas of most homes. Thus, preventing or eliminating this habitat is instrumental in keeping mold and mildew at bay.

Good A/C Helps Eliminate the Habitat

The ideal habitats for mold and mildew contain high heat (between 77 and 87°F ), high humidity (between 62 and 93 percent), and a food source (organic material). Naturally, summer months see the biggest problems. The key is eliminating pockets of warm, dark moisture where mold and mildew can set up shop.

Leaks anywhere should be immediately repaired and dried, as should spills on upholstered surfaces, carpets, or floating floors. To reduce moisture, kitchens and bathrooms should be vented whenever in use. Air conditioning should help dehumidify the home, especially in the summer, but if an HVAC system isn’t properly configured or maintained, it can exacerbate rather than abate fungus problems. Home HVAC systems should be set to “automatic” rather than “on” both for energy efficiency and to optimize the dehumidifying effects. Trapping mold and mildew particles with the correctly-rated HVAC filter also helps prevent mold growth inside air ducts and vents.

For over 60 years, Massachusetts has relied on Rusty’s, Inc. for expert air conditioning service and installations. We can also repair or recalibrate any HVAC system for optimal efficiency, thereby reducing the potential for mold or mildew growth. For more information, contact us online or call 508-775-1303.

What Makes Air Filters Get Dirty So Quickly?

Every responsible homeowner knows that regularly replacing dirty HVAC system air filters is important for maintaining clean air and a working unit. But for some, air filters seem to get dirty more often than they should, meaning more maintenance and replacements are needed. Here are a few of the most common causes of a dirty air filter, and how they can be avoided.

Pet Hair and Excess Dust 

While it's good that HVAC air filters catch particles like dust and pet hair before it gets recycled into the air, having too much of either in the home will lead to a dirty filter in no time. Air filters in homes with cats or dogs who shed excessively and homes with unused rooms or recent construction projects are especially at risk. Taking care of much of the hair and dust yourself can prevent excess strain on the air filter and the need for HVAC maintenance services. Vacuum as often as possible to collect hair and dust before it gets sucked into the filter, and brush particularly fuzzy pets at least once a week.

The Wrong Fan Setting

Having the thermostat's fan set to "on" instead of "auto" can be another reason for buildup on HVAC air filters. When it's set to "on," the fan blows continuously, even when it's not necessary to cool or heat the home. This setting means the filter must work non-stop to trap particles, almost guaranteeing it will get dirty more quickly. Sometimes, even fans set to "auto" can run too often if the weather outside is extremely hot or cold. This can be especially problematic in larger homes and commercial spaces, which need much more power to achieve the desired temperature.

The Filter Has a High MERV Rating

Inexpensive fiberglass filters allow some small particles through, making them less likely to clog too quickly. Filters with a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating will catch those smaller particles, which makes the air cleaner but means more frequent replacements and a heavier strain on the HVAC fan. An experienced HVAC technician can help you determine which filter is right for your system.

For over 60 years, Rusty's Inc. has been a trusted name in HVAC and plumbing services. To learn more about what we offer, fill out our online form or call 508-775-1303.

Is a Ductless A/C System Right for Your Home?

Homeowners considering their HVAC options have likely wondered about the pros and cons of a ductless A/C system. This flexible set-up provides individualized cooling and heating in each room without ductwork, offering an affordable, convenient solution for many properties. Consider these factors when determining whether a ductless A/C system is the best option.

Flexible Installation 

Unlike traditional duct systems, which can take weeks to install, a ductless system consists of just two components: an outdoor compressor connected by a conduit to an indoor control unit. They can be installed in most types of apartments and homes and are often operational on the same day.

Outstanding Efficiency

With a ductless system, units can be installed in each room where temperature control is desired. These units exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines and are designed to have less of an environmental impact than traditional HVAC systems. In fact, ENERGY STAR estimates that ductless A/C units can cut cooling costs by 30 percent compared to conventional room air conditioners.

Improved Air Quality

Impurities in the air such as dust, dirt, and mold can cause both short and long-term health issues such as allergies and asthma. With traditional systems, these pollutants thrive in the ducts and are released into the air even with regular system maintenance. Ductless systems are designed with advanced filtration to keep these particles from entering the home environment.

Affordable Operation

Ductless systems are smaller than traditional systems and require less power to operate. They also deliver hot or cold air directly into the room where it's needed, maintaining efficiency while lowering costs. Some homeowners may also be eligible for tax credits or other incentives for installing energy-efficient technology. Rebates and other programs are available at the local, state, and federal levels. 

Ductless systems can be used in most types of dwellings, but work best in new construction additions, larger homes in which many rooms go unused, for families who want independent temperature zones, and in homes without existing ductwork. In the West Yarmouth area, contact Rusty's Inc. for an HVAC consultation. We offer expert service and installation of both traditional and ductless systems and can advise on what will work best for a specific home. Affordable financing is available, and we frequently offer online discounts and coupons.