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Mildew is a type of mold that forms in areas of excessive moisture and poor ventilation. Although it commonly exists in household air, it can’t take hold and spread if a surface is clean and dry. Generally, if you have any mildew or mold issues, it’s because the humidity in either your house, room, cabinet, or cupboard is above 50 percent. Common areas where you’ll find mildew are around water sources, which is why it’s commonly found near showers and in kitchen sinks.

The negatives of a humidifier are the potential for mold growth due to high humidity levels, the up-front cost, and the energy requirements to run it. Depending on the state of humidity in your home, you may not actually see lower utility bills due to the humidifier running on a near-constant basis. 

A mold inspection costs an average of $660, with a typical range between $300 and $1,025. However, costs can be as low as $150 or as high as $2,800 depending on several factors. These include the size of your home, the type of mold, the extent and accessibility of the affected area, your location, and the number and type of samples required. Hard-to-reach areas like air ducts, crawl spaces, and wall cavities can increase the cost. Specific tests have different prices; for example, swab testing typically costs $200 to $300 per area, while more extensive air testing can range from $250 to $700. A thorough inspection is crucial for determining the scope of the problem and identifying the best remediation method.

Many types of mold spores and fungi spores are constantly present in the air, but they need a friendly surface and moisture to grow. Should some of these spores land on paper or wood with significant moisture present—such as drywall with a paper cover that is soaking up water from a leak—mold or fungi could begin growing. Dampness from leaky pipes, condensation on windows, leaks in a roof, flooding in a basement, or high, prolonged humidity in a small area all can create the excess moisture that mold and fungi need to grow in your home.