A lot of people believe that temperature and
mold go hand in hand. They feel that the warmer the temperature is, the more
likely there will be mold. If this were the case, why isn’t there mold in
saunas? Saunas average around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason is because
saunas consist of dry heat. Mold must have moisture in the equation to grow.
The moisture doesn’t have to be in liquid form either. It can be in vapor form,
commonly referred to as humidity. Mold can grow when humidity levels exceed 60%.
If humidity levels are maintained below 60%, mold simply cannot grow and
becomes dormant. It can stay dormant for many years. When another source of
moisture is introduced to the dormant mold, it immediately begins to grow
again. Mold doesn’t just die on its own. The only way to eliminate it is by
either killing it with chemicals such as biocides or antimicrobials or by
physically removing it. This is known as remediation.
So how do you make sure that your home or
business isn’t taken over by mold? Remember moisture must be present in order
for it to grow. Don’t give it the right conditions and it can’t thrive. Many
people turn their thermostats down in hopes to deter mold growth. Does this
work? Do a/c units actually deter mold growth? They do but they only dehumidify
while they are running. Thermostats are preset to a temperature that is
comfortable for the individual. Once the
thermostat reaches that temperature, it shuts off, regardless of indoor
humidity levels. Let’s say the thermostat is set for 75 degrees. One day it can
be 75 degrees with a humidity level of 80%. The next day it can be 75 degrees
with a humidity level of 20%. It is called relative humidity. It is relative to
that particular temperature at that particular time it was tested. There are a
few options available for maintaining indoor humidity levels. 
A dehumidifier can be installed in the
interior. A dehumidifier works on moisture only. It doesn’t care what the
temperature is. Its only concern is to maintain humidity levels at the pre-set
level. Many people believe that they run constantly. They only run when the
humidity level exceeds the preset limit. They are also cheaper to operate than
an HVAC system. Most dehumidifiers run on 110 volts while most HVAC systems
require 220 volts. There are a few downfalls to dehumidifiers. They do emit
some heat when they operate. The longer they run the more heat they would emit.
Run time will vary by region and weather conditions. They also purge
periodically. Most dehumidifiers have the option of adding a drain hose to the
unit. When it is time for the unit to purge the excess water that has
accumulated, it drains thru the hose into whatever drain system you choose
(tub, sink, condensate drain line etc.). If a drain hose in not an option then
the reservoir inside the dehumidifier must be dumped manually as needed. There
is a float switch that will shut the unit off when the reservoir becomes full.
This will keep the unit from purging water onto the floor. This method is not
recommended if you will be gone for extended periods of time. Once the
dehumidifier shuts off it is no longer able to maintain humidity levels. The
water that has collected in the reservoir then begins to evaporate into a vapor
form, becoming humidity once again. 
Think of mold like a plant. Plants need water to survive. So does mold. Plant a seed in the ground and water it once. It will not grow. Water it on a regular basis and the seed will sprout. If mold is present and you feed it moisture (liquid or vapor), you will have your hands full. No moisture = no mold.
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