What is a Good Temperature For Mold Growth

The relationship between mold and humidity is direct - excessive air moisture in combination with warm temperature allows for mold to grow. The down side, of course, is that mold growth can cause damage to personal property while threatening personal health.

Indoors, mold can be effectively averted by keeping air moisture and humidity under control. Both mold and humidity can be kept under control by simply lowering humidity levels and reducing moisture around the home. It’s a simple, yet effective approach.

Mold and humidity go together - and surfaces with high condensation are ideal for mold growth. The idea is to reduce condensation inside the home by keeping indoor temperature a little higher and relative humidity levels a little lower. It also makes things comfortable.

A better understanding of mold and humidity

Maintaining proper indoor temperature and humidity is vital to maintaining good indoor air quality and seasonal comfort around the year. At the same time, uncontrolled humidity levels can contribute to a variety of problems – like bacteria and mold growth.

Elevated humidity inside the home may indicate a number of problems – like poorly ventilated bathrooms, laundry facilities, and even cooking areas. Poor ventilation can slowly contribute to high levels of air moisture, and the potential for mold to grow/spread.

What is the ideal humidity level to prevent mold growth?

In an effort to control mold and humidity, it’s recommended that humidity levels in winter range from 30% to 40%. In addition, it’s recommended that temperatures range between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. If windows show condensation, levels should be lower.

In the summer, and particularly in regions where summer humidity is quite high, the outdoor air moisture may have an effect of increasing indoor humidity levels. This is where air conditioning can serve as a control (as well as a dehumidifier system of some type).

When indoor humidity is too high, mold can grow

Depending on the size and structure of a home, high levels of humidity can manifest in different ways. From the basement, to the first floor, to the second floor, occupants feel different effects.

•  The air may start to feel “stuffy”
•  Skin feels moist and/or clammy
•  It might be difficult to breathe
•  There could be a musty odour
•  There may be traces of mildew
•  There could be mold deposits

With high indoor humidity, there is greater chance that mold will grow. And here, there may also be some health symptoms that emerge – like breathing difficulties, respiratory infections, and various allergic reactions. This type of situation must be addressed.

While every homeowner can take provisions to prevent high indoor humidity levels, there will be situations when mold does arise. This is where professional inspection and expert removal may well be required. This is not the best scenario for doing a “quick fix”.

With mold, it’s preferable to deal with professionals - they have the equipment and expertise to determine if the mold is dangerous to human health. They also have the experience to remove the mold safely and effectively, ensuring a clean indoor environment.