Mould, fungus and damp
High humidity levels in the home will promote the growth of mould and fungus, both of which can harm not only the house itself but also the health of its inhabitants. Mould spores contain a dangerous toxin that triggers allergies and causes a dry throat, colds and coughing. High humidity combined with inadequate ventilation promote the growth of fungus. Non-optimal oxygen levels combined with harmful microparticles in the air can cause headaches and dysfunctions related to hypoxia – or lack of oxygen – in the spinal cord and brain cells.
Condensation on windows
Mould in the home can spread very quickly. Fungus can only form if the humidity level exceeds 70%. By creating an environment with 50% humidity, we create an optimal habitat for humans that does not allow fungus or mould to develop.
Once a balanced microclimate is created, the most humid areas – typically the bathroom and kitchen – are protected from bacterial contamination. The appearance of fungus in the bathroom or kitchen is the first sign that those rooms are not adequately ventilated. Those are two rooms in the home where excellent ventilation is critical. To eliminate fungus and mould in the home, it is first necessary to ensure the right level of humidity – typically lower than it was. Only then will you be able to restore a healthy environment in your home or office and ensure a comfortable environment.
What methods are ineffective against mould?
Installing thermal insulation is one of the most expensive – but not always effective – solutions for creating a well ventilated and sheltered environment. This normally involves invasive work on the actual structure of the house and requires a major financial investment. A more economical workaround is to use a dehumidifier. This is an electrical appliance capable of eliminating condensation on windows, but it cannot completely defeat fungus, since it does not attack the root cause (i.e. the humidity level).
Removing mould from walls
The most modern and effective way to eliminate mould in the home is to install a decentralised ventilation system, which not only ensures optimal ventilation, but also cleans and reclaims the air in the home. Why? Studies have shown that in the home mould forms in the presence of high levels of indoor humidity and pollution. Prana’s innovative dMVHR (decentralised Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) technology can reclaim the environment by deploying a combination of humidity, atmospheric, CO2 and temperature sensors to monitor the air and then bring in the required amount of clean, ionised oxygen via a copper heat exchanger featuring antiseptic properties. This is an economical, energy-saving solution, since it efficiently recovers outside air which is then heated or cooled in line with the user’s requirements.
Prana recuperator/ventilation units utilise an innovative system of sensors to monitor, correct and control the airflow in any indoor environment. These sensors can detect changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature, air quality, CO2 build-up and humidity, enabling the Prana to easily outperform rival systems on the market.