Mold Dehumidification In McPherson KS

Residents of McPherson know that weather can turn on a dime. A cold, wintry day gives way to sun and slush. A hot and windy afternoon becomes a muggy, rainy night. The weather whiplash can put stress on everything, from our hair and our allergies all the way to our homes. But when it comes to maintaining a healthy, high indoor air quality environment, there is one metric that reigns supreme: humidity.

Overly high humidity levels can lead to more than warped wood and bubbling paint; worst of all, overly high humidity levels can create conditions for undesirable mold growth. Mold thrives on moisture. So, your first solution is to get expert mold dehumidification in Mcpherson, KS, with Lamunyon Mold to ensure mold growth is prevented and stopped on time.

“I Keep a Clean House, How Did I Get Mold?”

Mold is found in both indoor and outdoor environments. It exists virtually everywhere, floating through the air, attaching to clothing, and flowing through windows or vents. Because of mold’s microscopic nature, spores are largely undetectable until they spread and embed. When mold comes into contact with excessive moisture, it begins to grow. If this growth is fed with organic materials, mold can sustain growth, and an infestation can spread without opposition. Even in the cleanest homes, mold can access moisture and material food if certain preventative measures aren’t taken. Although leaky roofs or pipes are obvious problem spots for moisture, high indoor humidity is a bit sneakier. It can transform a poorly ventilated attic or basement into a breeding ground for a mold outbreak. And regarding organic materials, we aren’t just talking about old bread or banana peels. In a clean house, mold can still be found and feast on wood or paper products, cardboard, and ceiling tiles. It can also grow on some paints or wallpapers and in insulation or on drywall, carpets, fabrics, upholstery, and even dust. High humidity accelerates the process and pushes mold from surviving to thriving.

How To Control Indoor Humidity Levels?

The CDC recommends always keeping indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50%. In-home humidity sensors are invaluable in regulating levels. In some systems, sensors are part of sophisticated HVAC systems, and level outputs can be read through in-home thermostats. In other cases, purchasing hygrometers throughout the house is more affordable and easier, particularly in problematic rooms. If the measured humidity is too high, try some of the following dehumidification steps to reduce levels:

• Reduce Moisture Sources: Patch a leaky roof, fix drippy pipes, and seal flooding-prone basements. Anywhere there is visible water or condensation should be addressed if possible.
• Improve Ventilation: Increasing air circulation will naturally reduce humidity levels. Running exhaust fans and air conditioners in the warmer, higher humidity months will keep moisture from over-accumulating.
• Check Hotspots: Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, in particular, need to be vetted for high humidity. Exhaust fans should vent away from kitchen appliances and away from mold-prone surfaces. Laundry room dryers should vent to the outside, as cycles of wet clothing can otherwise lead to mold over time. Similarly, consider removing any carpeting or carpeted mats from your bathroom, as the material will likely accumulate excess water while proving more challenging to clean than hard surfaces.
• Dehumidifiers: With all else accounted for, a dehumidifier could be the final piece of the humidity maintenance puzzle.

Finding The Right Dehumidifiers In McPherson KS

There are plenty of reviews for specific appliances for dehumidifiers and mold removal out there. In order to sort through them more effectively, it helps to know what you are shopping for when researching dehumidifiers.

Dehumidifiers pull excess moisture from the air. They can do this through heating and wicking or moving air. The types to look for are desiccant, refrigerant, and the whole house. Desiccant and refrigerant will be rated for square footage by room. The whole house will be rated for the square footage of the entire property and often combined with your central HVAC processes. Desiccant and refrigerant varieties are more affordable and easier to set up. Whole-house dehumidifiers are expensive and more challenging to install and maintain. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

• Consider Space: Find a dehumidifier that works for your space! No matter which dehumidification route suits your home best, opt for an energy-efficient model when possible.
• Get Energy Efficient Dehumidifier: Many dehumidifiers are now Energy Star rated, meaning these appliances meet federally mandated guidelines for energy efficiency. Energy Star ratings are part of a longstanding environmental program the government runs. Qualified products will take less bite out of your electric bill and have a reduced impact on the environment when compared with their less-efficient counterparts. In many cases, Energy Star appliances operate ten to twenty percent more efficiently. For something that you are likely to run around the clock during humid seasons, it makes a difference!
• Assess the Size and Capacity: When choosing a dehumidifier for your home, it’s essential to consider the size and capacity that best suits your space. Measure the square footage of the area you want to dehumidify, considering any adjacent rooms with open floor plans. Look for the dehumidifier’s coverage area and choose one that matches or slightly exceeds the size of your space.
• Consider The Relative Humidity Levels: Different regions and climates have varying humidity levels throughout the year. It’s important to know the relative humidity in your home, as this will help you determine the appropriate dehumidifier capacity and features. A hygrometer can be used to measure the humidity levels accurately. If your home experiences consistently high humidity, you’ll need a dehumidifier with a higher extraction rate. A more portable or smaller capacity unit might be sufficient for occasional dampness or seasonal use. Additionally, some dehumidifiers come with adjustable settings, allowing you to set a specific relative humidity level and maintain it automatically.

Contact Lamunyon Mold For Expert Mold Dehumidification In Mcpherson, KS

By considering prevention and maintenance strategies for humidity levels, you and your property are ahead of the curve when it comes to curbing indoor mold growth. And if you want a more comprehensive assessment, our Lamunyon team is always happy to weigh in with years of expertise. Lamunyon installs dehumidifiers specifically designed for basements, crawlspaces, and whole-home dehumidification. Call Lamunyon today at 888-609-9670 for your no-obligation evaluation for dehumidifier service in McPherson, KS.

From planning to clean up, Lamunyon Mold ensures that your home is a safe haven and free from mold growth. Contact us today and take the first step toward a mold-free home!