Air

Most of us get terrified by the thought of having mold inside our homes, apartments or offices. We start applying various tips and techniques that we know, or our friends tell us, to get rid of this menace. However, before spending and wasting money in applying various techniques to get rid of mold, it is wise that we thoroughly understand what mold is, how it grows and what the most effectives ways to prevent mold in our home are.

Mold is neither an animal nor a plant; in fact it is a type of fungus and a reality of life that has existed for at least 400 million years. There is no place; both inside and outside of your home that does not contain spores of mold. If provided with the right level of humidity and warmth, these spores soon start to grow and turn into mold within no time. Although you cannot keep these mold spores completely out of your home, apartment or office, but you can surely apply some effective ways to prevent mold in your home.

Following are some of the most effective ways to prevent mold to grow and flourish in your home, apartment of office.
1. One of the most effective ways of getting rid of mold from your home is the use of dehumidifiers. As we already know that mold spores start to grow as soon as they are provided with an ideal mix of humidity and warmth. Therefore, getting rid of humidity is the best way to solve this problem. You can find a number of dehumidifiers in the market, when you go out looking for them. This top rated dehumidifier 2015 works effectively and provides maximum protection from mold. The ideal level of humidity inside your home should be maintained below 60% to prevent mold outbreak.
2. Another effective way of preventing mold in your home is the use of chemicals or biocides (e.g. chlorine bleach) to kill the spores. You need to make sure to thoroughly clean all those parts of your home or apartment, which are exposed to high-levels of humidity, like your bathroom, your kitchen or any wet walls.
3. Also make sure to pay prompt attention to any water leakages in your home. A regular checkup of your kitchen, bathroom and other parts of home is a must to make sure there are no water leakages.
4. It is also important to do a regular clean-up of your HVAC system. By keeping all the ducts, the air system, heating system and by regularly changing the filters, you can keep the mold spores at bay.

For many people, doing without a dehumidifier in the house remains an impossibility. People have the wherewithal to bear extremes of hot and cold weather. However, when it comes to facing conditions having high humidity, the discomfort increases. However, excessive humidity levels do not merely lead to issues of discomfort. Such conditions are ideal for the proliferation of various microorganisms. Thus, high humidity levels indoors can be conducive for molds and other allergy-causing bacteria. Dehumidifiers resolve this situation by absorbing excess moisture from the air.

How They Work

Dehumidifiers function by soaking the air and then, cooling it rapidly. This makes the moisture condense. The fan in the dehumidifier then pushes the air back into the room. The dehumidifier collects the condensed water in an in-built container, which homeowners need to empty periodically. Dehumidifiers belong to that group of appliances that work behind the scenes. For the most part, they operate with little or no noise. People will place them in inconspicuous locations, where they can work without coming into anyone’s notice. These traits may appear very advantageous. However, they also indicate that many people will buy their dehumidifiers and then forget about maintaining them altogether. This results in a variety of issues such as:

- Reduced efficiency levels arising from dirty or clogged air filters
- Burnt coils and fan motors that impede the functioning of the dehumidifier
- Reduced levels of dehumidification because of frost formation on the condensing coil of the dehumidifier
- Increased levels of noise generated by loose mountings or cabinet panels
- Unclean water tanks that become the breeding ground for molds and mildew
Under these circumstances, it is evident that neglecting to look after your dehumidifier could be a costly mistake.

Given the immense utility value dehumidifiers provide, ensuring that they keep functioning at optimal levels of efficiency remains a priority. You may not need to invest time on a daily basis for maintaining your dehumidifier. However, a monthly check on the dehumidifier could make your dehumidifier last for longer. This would result in your receiving a better-than-average return on your investment. Besides, you do not need to be a wizard in dealing with electrical appliances in order to look after your dehumidifier. Simple steps can well add up to giving you better performance levels from your dehumidifying unit.

Filters

For example, consider the filter of your dehumidifier. This comes into close contact with moist air, thereby increasing the chances of molds and mildew growth. Hence, use a good disinfectant to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and other microorganisms. Depending on your dehumidifier, you could simply hose or vacuum the filter. Some dehumidifier models work with replaceable filters. Ensure that you replace them twice a year, or even more frequently, if needed.

Dusting your dehumidifier can help ensure that it remains free from dirt and dust. If you avoid this, the dust will keep accumulating within the unit, thereby reducing its efficacy. Further, the moisture will lead to the proliferation of dust mites and other allergens resulting in breathing disorders like asthma. Keep emptying the water tank of the dehumidifier. Stagnant water remains a fertile breeding ground for various bacteria and viruses. Hence, follow the old maxim of “Prevention is better than cure”.

Undoubtedly, you will not be able to resolve all the problems faced by your dehumidifier. Certain aspects of the unit will remain beyond your grasp. Therefore, follow a proactive approach at the outset. Ensure that you purchase your unit from a reputable retailer who provides the requisite warranties and maintenance services. This could be useful the older your unit becomes. It could also make your dehumidifier last for longer.