How Weatherization Can Help Prevent Mold and Moisture in Your Maryland Home

The CAC weatherization team often hears questions from local Maryland households about mold, mildew, and moisture problems. While our no-cost weatherization programs do not cover mold removal, they can help prevent the conditions that allow mold to grow in the first place.

What Causes Mold to Grow in a House

Mold loves moisture. It grows in places that are damp, warm, and poorly ventilated. Common causes of moisture in a home include:

• Leaky roofs or windows
• Poor insulation or air sealing
• Unvented bathrooms or kitchens
• High humidity levels

When these problems go untreated, they can lead to mold.

Where Does Mold Grow in Homes

Mold can grow just about anywhere if there’s enough moisture. Here are some common spots:

• Around windows and doors
• Inside walls and insulation
• Under sinks and behind appliances
• In attics and basements

These areas are often hidden, so mold can grow for a while before you notice it.

Signs of Mold in a Home

You may not always see mold, but you can often smell it or feel its effects. Look for:

• A musty smell
• Peeling paint or bubbling walls
• Black, green, or white patches
• Frequent coughing, sneezing, or breathing issues

If you spot these signs, it’s time to take action.

How Mold and Moisture Can Harm Your Health and Home

Mold isn’t just ugly or smelly—it can be harmful to your health and your home. Here’s why it matters:

• Health problems – Mold can trigger asthma, allergies, coughing, and breathing trouble, especially for kids and older adults.
• Structural damage – Moisture can weaken wood, drywall, and insulation, leading to costly repairs.
• Lower home value – Mold and dampness can make a home harder to sell or rent.
• Higher energy bills – Wet insulation and drafty homes are harder to heat and cool, which means more money out of your pocket.

By keeping moisture out, you’re not just protecting your comfort—you’re protecting your health, safety, and savings.

How to Prevent Mold in a House

One of the best ways to stop mold is by reducing moisture. That’s where CAC’s weatherization assistance can help. Our no-cost services are designed to keep your home drier, healthier, and more energy efficient. Some of the upgrades that can help include:

• Insulation and air sealing – Keeps outside temperatures and moisture from getting in
• Heating and cooling system upgrades – Helps control indoor humidity
• Exhaust fan installation – Quietly removes steam and moisture from the air after showers and baths

Together, these improvements create a safer home for your family and help stop mold before it starts.

No-Cost Weatherization Assistance for Maryland

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, CAC offers no-cost weatherization services to income-qualified households throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Baltimore, and more. We help families upgrade their homes for better comfort, safety, and savings. (For example, most households that qualify save around $283 a year on energy bills!)

What’s included?

Our weatherization work can include:

• Air sealing and insulation
• Heating and cooling system repair or replacement
• Water heater repair or replacement
• LED lighting
• Smoke and CO detectors

What’s not included?

Our weatherization program does not cover mold testing or removal. If you have mold already, you may need professional help before we can weatherize your home.

Limited Time Funding for No-Cost Mold Removal Program

While CAC’s weatherization program doesn’t cover mold removal, a new program may help. Thanks to recent funding, CAC also offers a separate Home Repair and Weatherization Readiness Program to fix problems that need to be addressed before weatherization can begin.

This program is also no-cost to eligible households and covers issues like roof or basement leaks, mold and moisture issues, and structural or pest problems.

Funding for this program is limited, so reach out to CAC for more information on current availability.

Apply for Weatherization Help Online

• Fill out the simple online intake form – It takes just a few minutes to share your basic info.

• CAC will review your information – Some people will be asked to complete a full application. Others may move straight to scheduling a home visit.

• A CAC energy expert will assess your home – They’ll identify the best upgrades to save energy and improve comfort.
• Trusted contractors complete the work – CAC makes sure everything is done right—and tests afterward to confirm your home is safer and more efficient.