Living in the Florida Panhandle comes with beautiful beaches, warm weather, and unfortunately—humidity. While the coastal lifestyle has many perks, our high humidity can lead to indoor air quality issues, especially when it comes to mold and mildew. That’s why we teamed up with Steve from ServPro of West Pensacola to share a few quick tips every Florida resident should know on how to improve the indoor air quality in your home.
๐ฟ Did You Know?
Because of Pensacola’s warm, wet climate, outdoor mold levels are higher here than in many other parts of the country. Frequent rain, high humidity, and lush vegetation create ideal conditions for mold to thrive nearly year-round.
These outdoor mold spores can easily enter your home through doors, windows, air vents, clothing, and even pets—meaning outdoor air quality directly affects indoor air quality.
If you’ve recently moved to Pensacola from a drier region, you may be especially sensitive to this shift. Many newcomers notice allergy-like symptoms or discomfort caused by the increased mold presence in both outdoor and indoor air.
1. Use a Dehumidifier—Even Indoors
Humidity is the leading cause of mold and mildew growth—especially here in Florida, where spring and summer bring heavy rain, high temperatures, and intense humidity. In Pensacola, this wet and warm weather creates ideal conditions for moisture buildup inside the home, making it essential to stay proactive about indoor air quality and mold prevention. Older homes, or those without proper ventilation or HVAC upgrades, are particularly vulnerable to high indoor humidity levels where mold spores can easily thrive. Additionally, many everyday household activities can unknowingly raise indoor humidity levels. Hot showers, cooking without proper ventilation, and even houseplants or aquariums can add excess moisture to the air. Leaks, poor ventilation, and overcrowded spaces also trap humidity, making it harder for your home to stay dry—especially in our already humid Pensacola climate.
Thus, Steve recommends using a dehumidifier in your Pensacola, Florida home, especially in areas like:
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Garages
A good rule of thumb: Keep your indoor humidity below 60%, ideally around 45-50%, to prevent mold from taking hold. You can often find affordable dehumidifiers at local hardware stores or online retailers to help control the humidity levels in your home.
2. Invest in an Air Purifier
An air purifier can do wonders for your indoor air quality, especially in homes with:
- Pets
- Allergens like dust and pollen
- Lingering moisture or odor
- Poor ventilation
Look for air purifiers with HEPA filters and activated carbon to remove allergens, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While they don’t remove all risks, air purifiers are a strong line of defense—especially for people with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions.
Bonus Tip: Remember to Change Your A/C Filter Regularly
One of the easiest—and most overlooked—ways to improve indoor air quality is by changing your A/C filter regularly. Your HVAC filter traps dust, allergens, pet dander, and even mold spores, helping to keep the air you breathe clean. For most Pensacola homes, we recommend changing your filter every 30 days, especially during peak A/C use in the summer. If you’re using a higher-quality pleated filter, you may be able to change it every 60 days, but always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. A clean filter keeps your air fresh and helps your system run more efficiently!
3. Don’t Use Bleach to Clean Mold
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is using bleach to clean mold or mildew on walls, ceilings, or other porous surfaces. While bleach might seem like a go-to solution, it doesn't fully kill mold—especially on porous materials like drywall or wood.
Steve stresses the importance of using EPA-registered mold removal products instead. These are formulated to penetrate the surface and kill mold at the root. Bleach, on the other hand, can actually leave water behind, which encourages regrowth.
If you have a serious mold issue, don’t DIY—call a certified mold remediation expert like ServPro of West Pensacola to inspect and treat your home safely and professionally. If you’re dealing with mold, water damage, or concerns about indoor air quality, reach out to the professionals at ServPro of West Pensacola. They specialize in mold remediation, water extraction, and indoor air quality solutions for local homeowners. Call them at ๐ (850) 469-1160 or find them online at ๐ www.servprowespensacola.com
Clean indoor air isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s about protecting your health and your home’s long-term value. Preventing mold, reducing allergens, and maintaining good ventilation can improve your daily quality of life and help avoid costly repairs down the line. Looking for more homeownership tips in Pensacola?
๐ Contact us at Realty Masters of FL if you’re buying, selling, or leasing—we’re here to help!
