How A/C Can Prevent Mold Growth in Humid Climates

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

HOW A/C CAN PREVENT MOLD GROWTH IN HUMID CLIMATES

The temperature in your home can affect you and your family’s comfort level tremendously, especially if you live in states with hot, humid summers like Massachusetts where we’ve been experiencing heat and humidity for most of July and August.  However, living in such climates could have other consequences for your home and family, as humidity can contribute to mold growth. Fortunately, your air conditioner can prevent the growth of this fungus, while also keeping you cool.

HOW TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY CONTRIBUTE TO MOLD GROWTH

Mold needs certain conditions to grow, and unfortunately for those who live in hot and humid places like Massachusetts in the summer, the heat plus the humidity create a moist environment where mold and dust mites thrive. While the various types of mold have different optimum conditions for growth many kinds of mold will grow well when conditions are between 60F and 80F - the same temperature range we’re often comfortable in. Combine these temperatures with excessive moisture and you could have a mold problem in your home.

HOW AIR CONDITIONING CAN PREVENT MOLD GROWTH

Your air conditioner can control the temperature and humidity in your home, which can prevent mold growth. During the hot, humid summer months, set your air conditioner to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The relative humidity in your house should not exceed 50 percent. While most modern air conditioners dehumidify as they cool, they do not independently control both temperature and humidity, so you may want to purchase a stand-alone dehumidifier for when conditions are especially humid.

Other tips for using your air conditioner to prevent mold include setting your air conditioners fan mode to auto because setting it to “on” can cause moisture produced during the air conditioning process to be blown back into your home.