Has your home started to take on an unpleasant, “old house” smell that’s hard to pinpoint? Many people are surprised to find out that your home doesn’t have to be old to develop a musty, mildew-like odor. Below are some of the most common reasons why this issue occurs, along with some tips for how to solve the problem.
Poor Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy indoor air quality. When your home doesn’t have enough air movement, moisture gets trapped inside and starts to permeate your walls, floors, and furniture. This can produce a stale, “old house” smell. Make sure you’re opening your windows routinely to create a cross-breeze through your home, and use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans when cooking or bathing.
Hidden Plumbing Leaks
When leaks occur where you can’t see them, they can lead to a mold problem in as little as 24 hours. Slab leaks, in particular, will cause mold and rot to ruin your ground-level floors and foundation. If you notice an unexplained spike in your home’s water usage, and if you’re starting to detect a moldy, mildew-like odor, call in a plumber with leak detection equipment.
Dirty HVAC Equipment
Mold needs “food” to grow, and if your HVAC equipment hasn’t been professionally maintained in a while, its dusty, dirty surfaces can foster that growth. As your indoor AC unit absorbs heat from your indoor air, it also draws out moisture–another necessary ingredient for mold growth. Routine maintenance is the best way to solve and avoid this problem.
Mold Growth in Air Ducts
Once mold starts growing in your HVAC equipment, the spores can spread to your ductwork, where there is usually more dust for the mold to “eat.” Mold can also enter your air ducts through leaks. If you see black dust or smell something stinky coming directly from your vents, you’ll most likely need to get your ductwork professionally cleaned and sealed.
At Dial One Sonshine, our experienced technicians are skilled at discovering the root cause behind any problems you’re experiencing with your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us online or by phone: (714) 613-1016.