Mold, an undesired guest in most households, poses a larger threat when you're away on vacation and is especially prevalent in humid regions. To prevent mold growth in your absence, it might be necessary to keep the air conditioning on, as homeowners' insurance often doesn't cover mold remediation costs. Mold isn't just a smelly annoyance; it can ignite serious health issues like allergies, with children being the most susceptible.
Mold thrives in damp, moist conditions and is often found lurking to some degree in most homes. A humidity level of 70% or higher can stimulate its growth, with the spores mingling with the air in your home and potentially affecting furniture and electronics. If not severe, you can combat mold with soap, water, disinfectant, scrubbing, and a dehumidifier.
Technology may be employed to monitor mold risks. Peter Piotrowski from Hippo Insurance suggests using smart home devices to track humidity, temperature, and leaks to alert you of potential mold risks early. The cost of mold remediation, however, can outweigh average monthly electricity costs, making leaving the air conditioning on a smart idea during hot, humid seasons.
Depending on their climates, some states are more prone to mold damage than others. By analyzing factors like average temperature, humidity, rainfall, and the age of homes, FDP Mold Remediation has ranked states from most to least moldy, with Southeast states ranking high in the index.
To prevent mold damage even when not on vacation, it's suggested to keep damp-prone areas as dry as possible. Running the air conditioning intermittently can also help keep the air flowing and minimize potential for mold growth.
Neglecting such precautions might invalidate an insurance claim since mold growth from high humidity and lack of air conditioning could be considered a result of your negligence. If such a mold event occurs and is validated, the process of filing an insurance claim requires photos or videos documenting the damage and notifying the insurer in writing.
Ultimately, to avoid the nightmare of coming home to a mold-infested house after a vacation, you could consider asking a trusted individual to visit and run your air conditioning while you're away. This preventive measure can save you a lot of trouble and cost incurred due to uninsured mold damage.