Winter in Florida presents a unique scenario. For a few months, the temperature significantly drops from the state’s typical hot weather. However, even during these cooler days and nights, the air remains humid, raising concerns about mold formation throughout the year. Therefore, it’s not advisable to open windows during Florida’s winter.
Besides keeping your windows closed, there are other important considerations to keep your home mold-free during the winter months in Florida. In this article, we will outline the best practices to achieve this goal.
Mold Prevention in Florida’s Winter
Every Floridian should follow these three steps during the cooler months to prevent mold spores from settling in their homes.
Use Fans
Ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and other types of fans should be used frequently throughout the winter months in Florida. When water and moisture accumulate in an area, they create the perfect breeding ground for mold.
By quickly drying accumulated water on the ground with a towel, you can help prevent mold growth. However, addressing moist air on your own is challenging. Therefore, using fans to keep the air moving and discourage mold growth is one of the best ways to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home while also preventing mold.
Clean Your Air Conditioners
When air conditioners are not in use, they provide an excellent opportunity for mold growth. The water that condenses in or near an air conditioner, combined with dirt and dust, gives mold access to two of its favorite things: nutrients and water.
Turning on your air conditioner after it has been off for a long period can spread these mold spores throughout your home. By regularly cleaning your air conditioner and running it on the “fan” setting, you can better manage mold formation and keep your home mold-free throughout the winter.
Trust Your Senses
If you think you smell or see mold, you are likely correct. Even if you just smell a vague scent that might be mold, it’s worth investigating your home thoroughly. Mold can grow almost anywhere, so make sure to check all hard-to-reach locations and any areas that might provide a good opportunity for mold to proliferate.
If you need confirmation, you can invest in mold test kits that can detect the presence of this harmful substance in your home. These kits are relatively inexpensive and are a good option for routine mold testing.
Conclusion
While most northerners might laugh at the description of a “cold winter” in Florida, the colder months in this state do cause significant problems for homeowners. Mold can ruin homes, cause health problems, and is generally tricky to get rid of.
But by taking the proper steps to mold-proof your home and clean areas infected with mold, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position.