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Eliminating the Prevelance of Mold During Winter Months
 Christine Matthews
Allergies, colds and respiratory ailments are common throughout homes during cold weather seasons. In fact, most homes experience more than a dozen such occurrences throughout the year. Common symptoms that people experience include stuffy sinuses, runny and itchy eyes, skin rashes, respiratory difficulties and sleepiness. Unfortunately, many of these medical ailments that fail to respond to medications or do not clear up on their own can be a sign that there are microorganisms such as mold present within the home.
Microorganisms are transferred through the air, allowing them to be present in homes regardless of their cleanliness level. With many homeowners having their windows and doors closed more often during cold weather seasons, moisture does not properly escape. These conditions provide prime breeding grounds for microorganism spores to thrive and colonize. Once these spores get into heating and ventilation ducts they can make their way throughout the home quite rapidly.
Homeowners can take a proactive approach to eliminating the prevalence of microorganism spores from invading their home and the health of their family. Filters that are installed in the heating systems within a home should always be properly cleaned and replaced on schedule. These filters are designed to trap microorganisms and allergens. If left unattended, the filters will not work properly, pushing the microorganisms throughout areas of the home such as the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms.
When traditional fireplaces and wood-burning heaters are installed in a home, the wood used in these appliances should always be stored outside. Freshly cut wood or wood that is not given adequate time to dry out holds the moisture and microorganisms that can create serious hazards within the home. It is best to simply haul in only the amount of wood that will be used by these heating sources immediately.
Fans should be used within areas of the home that do not have proper ventilation. This often includes bathrooms, basements, pantries and close spaces as the air is left stagnant and does not circulate. If possible, windows should be left open for approximately thirty to sixty minutes every few weeks.
These are a few tips that can provide homeowners with safer homes and eliminate the prevalence of mold problems developing within their living spaces. If microorganism colonies are noticed in these homes, a professional mold remedial contractor should be consulted for the safest clean-up processes available without risking health concerns for family and loved ones.
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