Reducing Mold and Mildew in Your Home Using Your HVAC System

How Your HVAC System Can Help

Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in controlling indoor humidity and improving air circulation, both of which are key to preventing mold and mildew. Here’s how you can use your HVAC system to combat these issues:

1. Control Humidity Levels:

   • Use a dehumidifier or a whole-home humidification system to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50%. This range is ideal for preventing mold growth while keeping your home comfortable.

   • Ensure your HVAC system is properly sized for your home. An oversized system can lead to short cycling, which doesn’t allow enough time to remove humidity from the air.

2. Improve Ventilation:

   • Proper ventilation is essential for reducing moisture buildup. Use exhaust fans in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

   • Consider installing an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to improve airflow and reduce humidity.

3. Regular HVAC Maintenance:

   • Schedule annual maintenance to ensure your system is running efficiently. A well-maintained HVAC system is better equipped to control humidity and prevent mold.

   • Clean or replace air filters regularly to improve airflow and reduce the risk of mold spores circulating through your home.

4. Clean Air Ducts:

   • Mold can grow in your air ducts if moisture is present. Have your ducts professionally cleaned to remove any mold spores and prevent them from spreading.

5. Use UV Germicidal Lights:

   • Install UV lights in your HVAC system to kill mold spores, bacteria, and other microorganisms. This is an effective way to improve indoor air quality and prevent mold growth.