Welcome to Florida Living 🌴
Moving to Florida from up north? Whether you’ve landed in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, or Palm Harbor, you’ll find out quickly: Florida homes don’t play by northern rules. The sunshine state brings new challenges — heat, humidity, hurricanes, and of course, mold.
At AIR Resolutions, we’ve seen the most common mistakes northern homeowners make when they settle here. Here are the top 10 to avoid:
1. Leaving Windows and Doors Open
❌ Fresh air is great in New York or Michigan.
⚠️ In Florida, open windows = humidity indoors → mold growth.
2. Running the AC the Wrong Way
❌ Setting AC fans to “ON” constantly.
âś” Always run your AC on AUTO so it removes humidity, not just circulates moist air.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Always check with a licensed HVAC professional for system settings.
3. Forgetting About Dehumidifiers
Many Florida homeowners need extra dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity below 50%. Without them? Mold has a field day.
4. Skipping Hurricane Prep
❌ Thinking hurricane shutters are “optional.”
âś” Invest in impact windows or shutters, and inspect roofs and gutters before storm season.
5. Storing Items in Damp Garages
Northern basements are one thing — Florida garages are another. Without insulation, they trap heat and humidity, destroying cardboard boxes, photos, and electronics.
6. Ignoring the Attic
In Florida, attics can reach 120°F+ and trap moisture. Insulating and ventilating your attic protects both your air quality and your energy bills.
7. Not Using Sunlight to Your Advantage
Mold hates sunlight. Keeping blinds open and letting the Florida sun into your home helps prevent mold in living areas.
8. Overlooking Plumbing Condensation
Cold water + hot, humid air = condensation. Pipes in garages, attics, or crawlspaces need proper insulation to prevent leaks and moisture.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Always consult a licensed plumber for pipe insulation and upgrades.
9. Assuming Mold Is a “Seasonal” Problem
Up north, mold may only be an issue in spring or summer. In Florida? It’s year-round. Every season has mold risks — from storm flooding to winter humidity.
10. Thinking “It Won’t Happen to Me”
One of the biggest mistakes? Assuming your home won’t face these issues. Every Pinellas County homeowner eventually deals with humidity, storms, or mold — prevention is key.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Florida home is rewarding, but it comes with its own rulebook. Skip the rookie mistakes, and you’ll save yourself stress, money, and health risks.
👉 At AIR Resolutions, we specialize in helping new and seasoned homeowners keep their properties safe, mold-free, and hurricane-ready. Serving Clearwater, Largo, St. Pete, Palm Harbor, and all of Pinellas County.