Electricity Prevents Mildew And Mold

Mildew and mold are as common as oranges and palm trees in Southwest Florida. Not only can mildew and mold affect your health, they can cause major damage to your home. If your home is vacant for any extended period, LCEC energy advisors recommend the following steps to prevent costly damage we well as maximize energy efficiency.

1. Keep air conditioning on. If the air is completely shut off, mildew damage may occur due to humidity build-up. Set the temperature higher than normal so keep cost low.
3. Install a timer on your air conditioner to cycle the air for two hours per day. Or install a humidistat on your air conditioner. Set it to cycle your air conditioning whenever indoor humidity exceeds 65 percent.
4. To minimize humidity in the air, you may want to shut off the water supply to toilets and flush them. Another step is to cover them with cling wrap. This will ensure no additional humidity is brought into the home.
5. Leave all interior doors open to promote airflow and guard against mildew. Space out clothing, shoes and other stored materials for the same reason.

Other helpful tips:

-Save electricity by unplugging the water heater, since it won’t be used.

-A full refrigerator/freezer will use less power than an empty one. Use jugs of tap water to fill the unit. If you unplug the refrigerator, prop the door open and be sure it’s clean.

-Just to be safe, you may want to have a neighbor, friend or professional house sitter check your home periodically during your absence.