Mold and its spores are everywhere. It’s nothing necessarily to be afraid of, most mold is harmless and beneficial in the right setting. The problem arises when these molds set up shop in our homes, release air-borne spores into the indoor environment, and then these spores enter our bodies releasing toxins that can make us sick. So how can you protect your family from this potential health hazard? Some basic home maintenance and good healthy home habits can go a long way in keeping you and your home safe.
First of all, to be clear, mold only needs two ingredients to thrive: food and water. Food can be any type of natural or organic materials, including: wood, paper, paint, clothes, etc. Even dirt and dust can give mold the nutrients it needs to survive. Which is why the most basic advice you’ll receive from any Mold Inspector or Environmental Hygienist is to keep your home clean and free from moisture. So, in this regard to those basic principles, here are 5 tips that will help you out:
TIP 1: Monitor Your Indoor Humidity
If moisture leads to mold, then high humidity gives mold a perfect environment to thrive. So keep an eye of your indoor humidity levels. Get an inexpensive digital hygrometer from any home improvement store, and test the rooms in your house from time to time. Humidity levels ideally should be kept at around 40% or lower to discourage mold growth. 50% humidity and above can support active mold growth, but can easily be dealt with by purchasing a simple dehumidifier. Using this in addition to an air purifier with a HEPA filer will do an excellent job in keeping the air in your home dry and clean. A word of caution though: If you find that your indoor humidity levels regularly exceed 70%, then it would be wise to have a Certified Environmental Hygienist or Certified Mold Inspector check your home for hidden moisture and mold problems you may not be aware of.
TIP 2: Check for Leaks
Keep an eye on plumbing under sinks, behind toilets, at laundry machine connections, and monitor roofs, attics, and basements for water leaks. Check your ceilings, walls, and window sills (especially during the rainy season) for water stains, warping of wood, or other evidence of water damage. If not taken care of quickly, moisture from these sources can lead to mold growth in as quickly as 24-48 hours.
TIP 3: Increase Air-Circulation
The key to good air-circulation is keeping the air fresh and moving. You can do this by not overcrowding rooms with too much stuff. Keeping things, like furniture, properly spaced out from each other and at least 2-3 inches away from the walls the room. Also, leaving the doors between rooms open, cracking open a window in a room for a couple of hours from time to time, making use ceiling fans regularly, using kitchen fans when cooking, use bathroom fans when showering, and running the AC regularly during the summertime will all contribute to good air circulation, thereby keeping indoor air and home surfaces dry.
TIP 4: Have Your HVAC Systems Cleaned Regularly
A lot of people don’t think about this one too often. But dirty heating and air conditioning vents and ducting are the cause of or contribute to the spread of many mold problems. Dirt and dust combine with condensation in these dark, undisturbed places to make a perfect home for mold. And oftentimes, if a mold problem exists in one area of a home, it will carry over into other areas via air ducts. So you would do well to have your ducting cleaned at least once every two to three years, and changing or cleaning the air filters in your AC unit and heating furnace at least once a year. Be sure your AC or furnace air intakes use HEPA filters that capture at least 99% of all biological particles and contaminates from entering your ducting systems.
TIP 5: Keep Outside Problems From Becoming Inside Problems
Another key to keeping the indoors clean and dry is making sure the outside of your property is not sabotaging you! So make sure your property has adequate drainage. You always want the the grounds of your property to be graded away from the home, so water runoff does not collect at the foundation of the home. Wet ground will lead to a wet foundation, and this moisture can eventually wick up into flooring and walls if not controlled.
- - Keep gutters clean. Improper drainage in this respect can lead to water spilling onto the siding of the house, and to dry rot on wood materials, and to the growth of mold on the outside of the home. Water may then gather near the home’s foundation rather than being taken away from the home, leading to bigger problems.
- - Keep trees, shrubs and other plants at least at a distance or 2-3 feet away from the home’s exterior. Plants hold on to moisture and can make the siding of your home and the ground near your foundation damp. Trees and other plants that block natural light from entering the windows of a home also keep out useful UV rays that kill mold and heat that will dry out the indoor air.
- - Check for wetness in the crawlspace under your home. If your crawlspace is noticeably damp, have a Certified Environmental Hygienist or Certified Mold Inspector check for a possible existing mold problem. They can give you recommendations as to how to get the moisture and/or mold problem under control.
If you apply these 5 tips to your home maintenance routine, you will have done wonders to protect you and your family’s health from the environmental threat of household mold. For furher information on mold, do-it-yourself mold prevention, and do-it-yourself mold remediation, visit: http://www.enviroinspectors.com/get_informed.htm
Tyson Haas
Certified Environmental Hygienist
Certified Mold Inspector
Certified Mold Remediator
1. Look for Drafts
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Check your home around windows and doors for any air gaps. Add weather stripping to windows and door and if need add a draft guard to the bottom of your doors. Take a close look at places where two different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys, where pipes or wires exit and along the foundation. Use the incense test: carefully (avoiding drapes and other flammables) move a lit stick along walls; where the smoke wavers, you have air sneaking in. And heating or cooling sneaking out.
2. Change your Furnace Filter
Its easy to forget but it’s important to remember to change your air filter during the winter months. A dirty air filter causes air restriction and can reduce the efficiency and performance of your homes heater. Don’t skimp on the quality of your air filter also, look into buying a good quality air filter such as 3M Filtrete.
3. Turn the Ceiling Fans in Reverse
Yes really, a ceiling fan can do more than keep you cool during summer months. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to turn the fan blades counter-clockwise. Hot air rises so the ceiling fan helps push warm air down back into the room and not into your attic.
4. Turn Down the Hot Water Heater.
Most homeowners have their hot water heater temperature way to high, try turning your hot water heater temperature to around 120 degrees F. You will probably never notice the difference and it will save your from those occasionally scalding surprises.
5. Tune up your Heater.
Just like your car, your heater needs an occasional tune-up to help keep it running it’s best. Keeping your furnace clean, tuned and well lubricated improves it’s efficiency and overall life. Check your local utility provider and look for deals to get a service company to provide a inspection.
6. Keep a Eye on your Thermostat.
It is easy to forget to turn down the thermostat when you leave your home but, doing so is the best way to save money. Most households spend a majority of their utility costs on heating and cooling, so why use it when your not home?
7. Plastic Window Film
For a few dollars you can pick up some window plastic insulation film. It can help insulate your windows during the really cold winter months. When installed correctly it is almost invisible. If you really want to save big you can hire a pro like us, to install a LOW-E window film on your windows.
8. Put on a Sweater
Seriously a nice, comfortable, long sleeved sweater can increase your body temperature by about 2 degrees F , that would allow you to turn down your homes thermostat by 2 degrees.
For even more energy savings tip check out http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008
The tax credits for qualifying window film installations have been extended to the end of 2011. A provision in the recent Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 has created a tax credit opportunity for window films installed in residential structures. Under the new policy, the qualifying credit is 10% of the film cost with a maximum total credit of $500. The new policy went into effect January 1, 2011 and expires December 31st of 2011.
Money in your pocket
A tax credit directly reduces your income tax, unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. The credit then directly increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay. Homeowners can receive a 10% credit on the costs of window film, up to $500. Installation charges do not apply.
Window films should still be considered an “insulation” product rather than a “window” product by definition. As before, questions about individual window films used on specific homes in specific climate zones of the U.S. can only be answered by the manufacturer of the window film, as the requirement for a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement is still in effect.
Credits can only be taken for installation of window film products certified by the product manufacturer as qualifying for such credits. The consumer should be instructed to check the manufacturer’s website and/or other published information to verify the products being purchased do in fact qualify. Effective February 17, 2009, many products which previously may have qualified will not be listed as qualifying after that date due to increases in stringency of energy efficiency requirements for fenestration and insulation which go into effect at that time, since the new standard for compliance for films will be the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
Two Ways to Save Money
Energy efficiency can lower your federal tax bill and your monthly energy bill. Heat gained through windows makes up to 40% of your summer utility bill. Solar control window film reduces heat gain by 80%, which helps lower energy consumption. One study showed an average summer cooling cost savings of $105.
Other Benefits of Window Film
In addition to money savings, window film can increase indoor comfort, reduce fading of your home furnishings, and protect your family against harmful UV rays. Window film is also energy efficient. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, and cleanest way to extend our world’s energy supplies.
1. Ask for a free estimate
Any window film installation company should be willing to provide you with a Free estimate. They should be willing and able to visit your location no matter the size of the job. This is a common issue, customer calls the installation company and they provide a estimate over the phone. When the installation company arrives scope of work can be unexpected and cause confusion. frustration and costs you more money then expected.
2. Site visit
The site visit is so important because the installation company should know what type of windows you have, sun exposure, orientation and your concerns. Many factors go into selecting the right window film for your specific application and not all window films are acceptable for every type of window. A professional company should have manufacturer provided window film sample specifications sheets and they should be willing to leave them with you to help you make your decision on which window film you would like.
3. Know your risks
The company representative should explain everything to you, including the potential risk for seal failures and glass breakage. There are very minimal risk but time and attention should be spent discussing them, what can be done to avoid them and how your protected through the window film manufacture. If the window film contractor fails to mention these issues or quickly skirts over the issues avoid working with them at all costs. They either have limited knowledge of the products they are selling or they have no future plans to assist in case any issues may arise after the installation.
4. Do your homework
Don’t be fooled by the common trunk slammer! The window film industry is plagued by hundreds of fly by night companies working illegally and without the proper certifications. Know your local regulations, in the state of California window film applies under two California state contractor qualifications (D-52 window coverings, D-53 weatherization). Make sure that they have at least one of these qualifications and if they have a number of employees they are required by law to carry workers compensation. If a company is caught working illegally not only is a $5000 fine for them but also a $5000 fine for the homeowner that hired them. Also if the company is well established and reputable they should have references and positive reviews about them available. Feel free to check up on them at the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org and see if they have any negative reviews.
5. Not everything is equal
Not all window film manufactures are the same. Yes it is true some brands are better then others as the window film industry continues to expand to reduce energy demand more and more imported products are being introduced in the market. Be cautious not only are these new products made with low quality materials they also have no track record of being quality window films. Stick with the brands you know and trust, not only for the product but the future reliability of them in case a warranty issue may arise.
6. The installation
The window film installation is the most critical part. Make sure to ask how long the installers have been working for them and how long they have been installing window film. There are no training schools for the industry and only experience can provide a skilled installer. If there are difficult or hard to reach areas ask before hand how the contractor plans to access them. Make sure they are using safe and proper equipment and ladders. Make sure on the day on installation the quoted material is actually used, ask to see the packaging before the installation. Since the window film is applied with a wet solution ask the installers how they plan to avoid getting water every where. They should have clean towels and tarps to use on the floor, furniture and drapes. Before the installers leave, inspect all the windows to make sure there where no bad installation cuts, blemishes or pockets of water left behind.
7. Get the warranty
Make sure that you receive a proper invoice from the installation company and with in 60-90 days you should receive a warranty statement directly from the window film manufacture. If you do not receive this warranty call the installation company immediately it is imperative that you receive these documents in case some issue may arise in the future. Most all residential window films come with a lifetime warranty and commercial warranties come with 10-15 year warranty.
PRESS RELEASE - For immediate release
11/1/2011
Santa Rosa, CA – Climate Insulating Products, a Sonoma County based business providing advanced window film coatings and coverings for residential homeowners and commercial buildings has been in business for 31 years and was founded in a small garage in Santa Rosa, California. Today the company’s service area includes most parts of Northern California including Sacramento and also a satellite office in the San Diego area. The company offers products to reduce solar energy, stop fading and add protection to any residential or commercial window. The company is re-branding to prepare for continued growth and expansion in California. Over the past 30 years the company has enjoyed steady expansion and growth even through the toughest of economic times through referrals and satisfied customers. “Even though the last few years have been difficult on us as a company, we see many opportunities for continued growth in the next few years,” says Jeremy Dobbins, operation manager. ClimatePro will be taking advantage of it’s strong relationship with 3M, being a 3M partner gives them the cutting edge technology and stability to continue to maximize growth and profitability. For additional information please visit www.climatepro.com.
More about ClimatePro
Founded in 1979 by Louis Miller and operated out of his home for many years, ClimatePro continues to be family owned and operated. ClimatePro is the leading provider in 3M window films, helping customers to save energy, improve comfort and add protection to their homes and business. ClimatePro applies a systematic approach to every project it completes to insure complete satisfaction. For more information please visit www.climatepro.com or follow us on twitter @3Mwindowfilm
