Heartland 2014 Bighorn, Руководство пользователя

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74 HEARTLAND Recreational Vehicles, LLC
What are molds?
Molds are microscopic organisms that naturally
occur in virtually every environment, indoors and
out. Outdoors, mold growth is important in the
decomposition of plants. Indoors, mold growth is
unfavorable. Left unchecked, molds break down
natural materials, such as wood products and fabrics.
According to the Center for Disease Control, exposure
to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety
of health effects, or none at all. Some people are
sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can
cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing
or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin
irritation. People with mold allergies may have more
severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and
those with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive
lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs
when they are exposed to mold.
What factors contribute to mold growth?
For mold growth to occur, temperatures, indoor or
outdoors, must be between 40 degrees and 100
degrees Fahrenheit and also have a source of
moisture, such as humidity, standing water, damp
materials, etc. Indoors, the most rapid growth occurs
with warm and humid conditions.
How can mold growth be inhibited?
By controlling relative humidity, the growth of mold
and mildew can be inhibited. In warm climates, use
of the air conditioner will reduce the relative humidity.
Vents are located in the bathing and cooking areas
and constant use is advised during food preparation
and bathing, even during colder weather. Additionally,
opening a window during these activities will assist in
ventilation. In extremely humid conditions, the use of
a dehumidifier can be helpful.*
Frequent use of your RV or cleaning regularly is an
important preventive measure. Further, any spills
should be wiped up quickly and dried as soon as
possible. Avoid leaving damp items lying about. On
safe surfaces, use mold or mildew killing cleaning
products. Check sealants regularly, and reseal when
necessary to avoid water leaks. Proper preventive
maintenance to the RV and its accessories, as
described both in this manual and in accompanying
literature, will provide the best protection to the RV.
For more information of controlling moisture in the
RV, please read, “Tips to Controlling Condensation,”
located in this manual.
*If using a dehumidifier, please read and follow all
manufacturer instructions and recommendations to
the use and cleaning of the dehumidifier.
TIPS TO CONTROLLING
CONDENSATION
To avoid condensation problems, try to follow
these tips to help alleviate excess moisture.
• Allow excess moisture to escape to the outside when
bathing, washing dishes, hair drying, laundering,
and using appliances and non-vented gas burners.
• Always use the vent hood when cooking.
• Keep the bathroom door closed and the vent or
window open when bathing and for a period of time
after you have finished.
• Do not hang wet clothes in the vehicle to dry.
• In hot weather, start the air conditioner early as it
removes excess humidity from the air while lowering
the temperature.
• Keep the temperature as reasonably cool during
cold weather as possible. The warmer the vehicle,
the more cold exterior temperatures and warm
interior temperatures will collide on wall surfaces,
thus creating condensation.
• Use a fan to keep air circulating inside the vehicle
so condensation and mildew cannot form in dead
air spaces. Allow air to circulate inside closets
and cabinets (leave doors partially open). Please
keep in mind that a closed cabinet full of stored
goods prevents circulation and allows the exterior
temperature to cause condensation.
• The natural tendency would be to close the vehicle
tightly during cold weather. This will actually
compound the problem. Simply put, you need to
remove some of the warm air, and allow some cool
outside air to get inside the vehicle, so the furnace
will not recycle the humid interior air.
• Use fluorescent ceiling lights and minimize prolonged
use of incandescent lights, which produce heat and
contribute to condensation in the roof above the
ceiling lights.
ABOUT MOLDS