When it comes to mold in your home, depending solely on air quality tests may be a mistake. False negatives are common, leaving homeowners with a false sense of security. It is essential to investigate further and identify other clues that could indicate the presence of mold. If you are trying to determine a mold problem on your own, these tips will help you figure out if you have a mold problem.
- You or another occupant feels unwell or tired all of the time, which could indicate mold-related health issues.
- The space has had a flood or leak in the past, which almost always leads to elevated mold levels.
- The house has an odor, which could be a musty smell that you or another occupant have become accustomed to.
- A humidifier is installed on the furnace, which could be causing more harm than good.
- The air conditioner or heater emits a strange smell, which could be a sign of mold buildup in the HVAC system.
- The bathroom has signs of darkened grout, mold on the ceiling, or mold in drains and window sills, which are not typical in a healthy home.
- Seasonal allergies have become less seasonal and are constant, possibly due to inhaling mold spores in the air.
- Paint peeling or water stains on paint and drywall, which usually indicates water damage and mold growth.
- Chronic sore throat or coughing, especially if an antibiotic did not help, could be a sign of mold-related health issues.
By investigating these clues, we can identify and eliminate mold, improving the occupants’ health and well-being. Don’t rely on air quality tests alone; use these clues to ensure a thorough investigation!
This blog was first published on the Pure Maintenance Corporate Website on 17 November 2022 and has been edited for clarity and length by Pure Maintenance of Santa Barbara.
