Dampness and high humidity can result in household mold growth, reducing the value of your home and its aesthetic appeal, as well as posing a health risk to your family. Mold can lead to breathing problems, mental impairment, internal organ failure and even death. Among other things, it can affect:
- The neurological system.
- The circulatory system.
- The skin.
- The reproductive system.
- The visual system.
- Allergies, allergic reactions and other complications.
It’s therefore imperative that you get rid of any mold in your home as soon as possible. Mold requires high humidity and dampness to grow, so keeping your house dry and maintaining proper indoor air quality can prevent mold growth. UV lights can also help get rid of mold and prevent its growth.
UV lights provide protection against both mold and other microorganisms. It does so by interfering with their DNA, preventing them from reproducing. This is because while microorganisms have developed defenses against most other electromagnetic waves, they haven’t done so for UV light, which is mostly filtered by the Earth’s atmosphere.
UV lights should be placed in areas that aren’t accessed frequently, such as within the HVAC system in your home, your basement and your attic. This ensures mold growth is prevented in areas where it’s more apt to colonize. To get rid of mold in your house using UV lights, you should either hire a professional or ensure you’re doing it properly, as UV light can cause eye damage. Here’s how it should be done:
- Clean mold stains using bleach and warm water.
- Wear UV-opaque glasses to protect your eyes.
- Place a UV light about a foot away from the cleaned mold stain.
- Turn off other lights in the room and leave the UV light on for about two hours.
- Repeat these steps for other mold stains and as required.
For more information regarding mold removal and indoor air quality in Warren, Sterling Heights and other areas we serve, contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about UV lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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