With temperatures frequently below freezing in Michigan this month, you’re likely feeling the effects on your body. Perhaps you’re moving a bit slower, dealing with a runny nose, and experiencing dry skin. That dry skin, of course, comes from a lack of moisture in the air outside. Unfortunately, the season is having the opposite affect on many Michigan homes, creating a build-up of moisture in the winter months.

Where is all that moisture coming from? Many sources can be contributing to the level of moisture in a home. For starters, running a cool-mist humidifier to help relieve a family member’s nasal congestion creates moisture. A thermostat set higher than necessary can also create more moisture when the warm air interacts with cold surfaces, such as windows. In the bathroom, long, hot showers produce plenty of moisture, fogging up mirrors and making and floors walls slippery. In the kitchen, cooking on the stove top can produce steam. Even drying clothes indoors adds to the moisture level in a home.

The problem with all that moisture is the threat of rapid mold growth. It can be especially problematic in a tightly sealed, energy efficient home. So one quick way to reduce the moisture level in a home is to use ventilating fans wherever they are available. Moving that moisture away from walls and windows can help reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth. Also, find a comfortable setting for the thermostat and leave it there.

One area that gets overlooked is flooring. Carpet on a concrete floor with no barrier between the two can lead to the absorption of moisture in the carpet. Area rugs that can be removed and washed are preferable in this situation.

When mold becomes a growing problem in your Michigan home, whether you’re in Sterling Heights, Grand Rapids or Troy, contact Michigan’s mold remediation experts at Aaron’s Restoration. Mold removal and clean-up is one of our primary areas of expertise, and we can create a solution that matches your needs and budget. Call Aaron’s Restoration at 888-442-2766 or visit www.aaronsrestoration.com.