Damp air near the water
Lake air is humid, and lower levels and walkouts tend to hold that dampness longest. A home that is closed up between weekends or seasons has little airflow to carry it out. A dehumidifier in the lowest level can help, and so can a fan and open windows on dry days. Mold, if you suspect it, is a job for a licensed professional.
Opening and closing the house
- When you arrive, open windows and run the fan for a while before you settle in, and notice any musty smell.
- Check the furnace filter at every opening. Summer pollen and wood smoke from neighbors' fires and your own can load it quickly.
- Walk the house and make sure furniture, rugs and boxes are not covering registers or return grilles.
- Before you leave, look at the outside vent hoods for nests, and tidy anything that could invite animals inside.
When the ducts need a look
If the house still smells stale after airing out, if dust blows from the registers, or if you find nesting material in a vent, a duct cleaning visit can be worth considering. Gas, electrical and heating equipment repairs belong to a licensed professional, not to a duct cleaning visit.
Common questions
Why does my lake home smell musty when I open it up?
A house that stays shut and damp for weeks can build up stale, musty air. Opening windows, running the fan and changing the filter often helps. If the smell stays, have the ducts checked, and ask a licensed professional about any suspected mold.
Should I run a dehumidifier in a walkout or lower level?
A dehumidifier can help in damp lower levels, especially in summer near the water. Empty it or connect it to a drain, and keep it clean so it does not add to the problem.
Do I need to change the filter if I am only there on weekends?
Yes, check it. Dust, pollen and wood smoke can collect on a filter even in a part-time home. Look at it each time you open the house for the season and swap it when it looks dirty.
Can animals get into the vents of a lake home?
Mice, squirrels and birds can nest in outside vent openings and sometimes in ductwork when a home sits empty. Look at each outside hood and cover for nesting material before you turn the system on.
Want a hand? See our cleaning services or where we work.