Lemming Joseph

Everybody's found out about the result mold and mildew might have on a home, or more importantly, a homeowner's pocketbook. But, you say, how bad can it really be?

In 2002, insurers paid $2.5 billion in mold-related claims under homeowner guidelines, up $1.3 billion in the year before. To explore more, consider checking out: investigate smoke removal.

Moisture can harm furnishings, wood flooring, rugs, drywall and interior woodwork, creating form, mildew and decay. Adverse effects of excess moisture can cause a property to notably decline in value, not to mention the pres-ence of form can make selling a home exceptionally difficult.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks poor in-door air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. Excess home humidity encourages hazardous home particles, including infections, bacteria, fungi and termites - that are connected with allergies, asthma and other sinus issues.

'Today's energy-efficient building practices call for stronger construction,' said Robin Pharo, station director for Aprilaire, producer of in-door air-quality products and services. 'Unfortunately, small building locks air and excess moisture to the house with nowhere to escape, having destructive effects on the homes and individuals living included.'

Experts agree they can't obtain the work done effectively or efficiently, while some feel air-conditioning units can help dehumidify a house.

Most homes have been created to be so energy-efficient a typical air conditioning system will cycle on and off prematurely to eradicate excess water in-the air. Consequently, while attempting to remove water, leading to high energy costs, unpleasant air conditions and excessive wear around the cooling process homeowners resort to overcooling the living space.

At the sam-e time, during the fall and spring months when conditions are lower, many homeowners change their air-conditioners off despite high moisture levels.

To control the conditions that bring about water damage and mold growth, keep in-door humidity below 5-0 per cent by installing a whole-house dehumidifier. The Aprilaire Model 1700 whole-home dehumidifier works in tandem with the HVAC system to remove up to 9-0 pints of water from the home's atmosphere each day and never have to overcool the home.