Mould growth is common in homes, especially homes with excess moisture. However, mould needs the perfect balance of conditions to grow and thrive. Once it has taken hold, it leads to a host of medical problems.
According to Health Canada, mould and dampness inside your home could lead to:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Coughing and mucous build-up in the lungs
- Allergic reactions; in particular for those allergic to mould
- Worsening asthma symptoms without any apparent explanation
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
To thrive, mould needs spores, a food source (i.e. wood, cotton or drywall), absence of sunlight, warmth, oxygen, and moisture. With the right conditions present, mould can grow quickly within one to two days.
When you find mould under old tile in the bathroom, it is not surprising. After all, moisture causes mould to thrive. However, there are multiple reasons why mould gets in the home, and you may be surprised at where mould could be growing right now.
Some causes of mould include:
- Condensation – A cool surface inside your home creates condensation. This condensation then collects on metal pipes, concrete surfaces (such as your basement), and more. Carpet might cover up the surfaces covered in condensation and mould, so you would not know it is there.
- Poor Ventilation – A home with poor ventilation has pockets of stagnant moisture in the air. Moisture allows mould to grow, so it is imperative that your home is properly ventilated. Having your home’s air conditioner examined and ventilation cleaned is something that all HVAC companies Winnipeg households use know, can prevent circulation issues.
- Excess Humidity – Humid weather promotes mould growth indoors. Also, if the area where you live is abnormally humid, with a mean humidity averaging around 70 to 75 percent, you need a dehumidifier that brings down the humidity indoors. Ideally, humidity should remain below 55 percent to prevent mould Look for sources of humidity in your home too, such as clothes drying on a rack in the laundry room, poor ventilation in bathrooms, and puddles of water in the shower stall.
- Poor Dryer Ventilation – Do you use your dryer to dry clothes indoors? If you do, the excess heat combined with wet clothing creates moisture inside your home. Make sure your dryer is properly ventilated outdoors, and your laundry room has a fan or window open to circulate air.
If you have a mould problem in your home, consider adding a dehumidifier in your Winnipeg residence. If you have a humidifier, but it is not maintaining the proper temperature, it may be time to install a new one for better air quality.
Provincial Heating & Cooling can also inspect your ventilation and install a ventilator to help replace stale, moist air with fresh, dry air from outdoors.
To explore your options, call us to request a quote for a ventilation system or dehumidifier from our heating and cooling contractors in Winnipeg. You can reach a representative at 204-339-4328 or by using our online contact form. Do not forget to look for coupons on our HVAC services and request your no-obligation estimate.