The above average amount of rain we’ve had this summer has caused basement mold to grow in quite a lot of homes. Homeowners are finding mold growing where they have never seen it.
In a typical basement, the air conditioning unit does not run very often, and when it does, it’s usually for very short cycles. Because the majority of the walls are below grade and the top portions are covered by the body of the house, temperature changes are minimal. The soil and the main body of the home serve as insulators to the basement, allowing the temperature to stay somewhat constant.
During the cooling cycle of an air conditioning unit, the air is drawn into the unit and is filtered and dried, thus “conditioning” or “drying” it. When the air conditioning unit is not needed to cool the basement, the air is not “conditioned,” and the full-humidity air stagnates.
As the unconditioned air accumulates, so does the moisture. Mold grows when moisture comes into contact with an organic surface, and once the moisture reaches 60% relative humidity, mold growth can begin. The longer the humidity levels are elevated, the more extensive the mold growth becomes.
Now you know. So what do you do?
If your basement is beginning to have that moldy or musty smell, you may want to take action to prevent basement mold. Consider installing a dehumidifier. I recommend having a dehumidifier attached to your air conditioning unit so that you not only reduce the humidity in the air, but also filter and condition the air in the process, creating a healthier environment. This system is more costly, but the benefit of better air quality is a value well worth the investment.
Do you have musty or moldy odors in your basement? If so, call Branch Environmental, Inc. and we can help you remove basement mold and decide the best solution to your basement moisture issue.