Living along the Delaware shore is a dream come true for many, but this coastal paradise comes with a challenge for many homeowners: excessive humidity. Unless you take the proper measures, the excess moisture can cause significant damage to your property and even impact your health by allowing mold and mildew to grow. Fortunately, you can stay ahead of these problems.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best ways to prevent mold in your beach home, so you can properly care for your living space and keep it the healthy, beautiful place it was meant to be.
Control Humidity
The high humidity in coastal areas means that the air itself carries a lot of water vapor. When this warm, moist air meets the cooler surfaces inside your home (like walls, windows, or pipes), condensation forms. This condensation provides the water that mold spores, which are naturally present in the air, need to germinate and grow. For this reason, your best defense against mold in your beach home is to lower indoor humidity levels from the get-go.
The ideal indoor humidity range is between 30% and 60%, and a whole-home dehumidifier is the perfect solution for maintaining this range all year round. Unlike portable units that only treat a single room, a whole-home system integrates directly into your existing HVAC system. It works by pulling air from your entire house, removing the excess moisture, and then circulating the dry air back through your ductwork. This maintains a stable, pre-set humidity level throughout every room in your house and eliminates the damp spots that mold spores love.
Use Exhaust Fans Regularly
Keeping air circulating throughout your home is crucial for drying out damp surfaces and preventing the formation of mold. Make it a household rule to always run the exhaust fans in your bathrooms during and after showers and in your kitchen while cooking. These fans are designed to pull moisture-laden air directly outside, especially when they are run for at least 20-30 minutes after you are done showering or cooking.
Optimize Your Home’s Attic & Crawl Space Ventilation
The attic and crawl space are two of the most common areas for mold growth, so make sure they are well-ventilated with soffit, ridge, and gable vents. A properly ventilated crawl space might also benefit from a vapor barrier (a heavy-duty plastic lining) to prevent ground moisture from rising into the home.
Air Out Your Home
On dry, less humid days, open windows and doors to create a cross-breeze. However, be mindful of the outdoor humidity. If it’s a particularly muggy day, it’s better to keep the house sealed and let your HVAC system and dehumidifier handle the moisture. Just double-check that all your furniture is arranged so that nothing is blocking the HVAC vents. This will help enhance airflow and prevent stagnation.
Invest in Routine Duct Cleaning
Over time, your home’s ductwork can accumulate dust, allergens, and debris, which, when combined with the coastal humidity, creates an ideal environment for mold to grow. Once these spores take hold of your air ducts, they can be distributed throughout your entire house every time the air conditioning system turns on. For this reason, it’s important to invest in professional duct cleaning every few years. By getting rid of debris, duct cleaning reduces the chances of microbial growth.
Protect Your Coastal Investment With Help From Alltemp Air
By taking proactive steps to control humidity, ensure proper ventilation, and maintain your HVAC system, you can protect your coastal home from the persistent threat of mold. The team at Alltemp Air has the expertise and solutions to keep your Delaware shore property dry, healthy, and comfortable. Contact us today, and let us help you breathe easier with our indoor air quality solutions.