How to Prevent Mold in Bathrooms

Image: leap-va.org/mold

Mold and mildew are not just ugly to look at, but can be very dangerous. Both can aggravate asthma or allergies, and can cause eye irritation, coughing, congestion, skin rash and even infections. More extreme reactions include severe headaches, dizziness, nose bleeds, vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms and liver damage. There are, however, a number of preventative measures you can take to keep mold from becoming a problem.

What Is An Energy Recovery Ventilator?

Energy Recovery Ventilator.
Photo courtesy of RenewAire

In a home with a tight "envelope," or well-insulated walls, windows and doors, an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) can help to reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality.

Duane Amundson, an energy savings consultant, wrote an article for Greenspiration Home that describes the function of an ERV and discusses the benefits of using one:

"An ERV exhausts stale air with its fan, and brings the same volume of fresh air back in. A built-in heat exchanger allows the fresh air to be semi-conditioned by the exhaust air, so that you aren’t just tossing out air you’ve already paid to heat or cool." Read the full article here.

Using a unique peer-to-peer approach, Greenspiration Home is an online publication dedicated to educating homeowners about building, renovating, and decorating green. 

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

It would be great if our homes came with an Energy Monitor
like the one on this Toyota Prius! From Flikr

If you've recently moved into a new home, or have noticed a sudden spike in your current home's utility bills, it may be time for a home energy audit. (Also called an assessment.) This in-depth test can help you pinpoint areas in your home that need to be upgraded, repaired or replaced.


Before the Energy Audit

You may have already noticed a gap in the weatherstrip around the front door, or windows with increased condensation. Ask family members if they've noticed any drafts, or rooms that always seem to be a different temperature from the rest of the house. Have copies of utility bills for the past year, or ask your utility to provide a summary. All of this information will help the auditor zero in on problem areas.