Happy New Year from all of us at Mold Solutions!
While the rest of the country is digging out of the snow, we in Tampa Bay are enjoying our “winter”—those few precious months of mild temperatures and lower humidity.
But just because the sweltering heat of August has faded away, doesn’t mean mold has gone into hibernation.
In fact, January is one of our busiest times of the year. Many homeowners are surprised to find mold growth during the “dry” season, but the unique climate of the Tampa Bay creates specific triggers this time of year.
Here are the top reasons Tampa Bay residents are calling Mold Solutions right now:
1. The “Holiday Decoration” Discovery
This is the number one way mold is discovered in January. As families head into their attics, crawl spaces, or garages to pack away holiday lights and trees, they often find more than just tinsel.
Because these storage areas are rarely climate-controlled, moisture trapped during the humid summer months can lead to mold growth on cardboard boxes, fabric ornaments, and wooden decorations. If you noticed a musty smell while packing up your decor this week, don’t ignore it—you may have an attic moisture issue.
2. Window and Wall Condensation
In January, we experience “Florida cold snaps” where temperatures drop at night and rise quickly during the day. When you turn on your heater at night, the warm air hits the cool glass of your windows or the exterior-facing walls.
This creates condensation. If that moisture sits on your windowsills or behind heavy curtains for several days, it creates the perfect petri dish for mold. We often see “black spotting” around window frames and baseboards during this time of year due to this temperature fluctuation.
3. HVAC Systems Shifting Gears
During the winter, many Tampa residents switch their HVAC systems from “Cool” to “Heat” for the first time in months. If there is dust or dormant mold spores inside your ductwork, the change in airflow and temperature can blow those spores throughout your home.
Furthermore, if your system isn’t running as frequently because the weather is mild, it isn’t dehumidifying your air as effectively. This stagnant air can allow humidity levels to creep up inside the home, leading to mold growth in closets and corners.
4. Lingering Effects of Hurricane Season
Hurricane season officially ends in late November, but the structural damage left behind by late-season storms often takes a few months to manifest as visible mold.
Small roof leaks or window seal failures that occurred during the fall may have gone unnoticed. Now that the initial chaos of the storm season has passed, homeowners are starting to notice water stains on ceilings or a persistent musty odor that won’t go away.
5. Increased Time Indoors
In the summer, we run from the car to the AC. In the winter, we actually spend more time with the windows shut to keep the warmth in, or we host guests for the holidays. More people inside means more “indoor pollutants”—from cooking steam to hot showers—all adding moisture to the air.
If you or your family members are experiencing “winter allergies” (sneezing, itchy eyes, or respiratory issues) that seem to get worse when you’re inside, it might not be a cold. It could be your body reacting to elevated mold counts in your indoor air.
Don’t Start 2026 with a Mold Problem
If you’ve discovered a suspicious spot or a strange smell while putting away your holiday gear, don’t wait for the spring humidity to make it worse. Mold spreads quickly, and the sooner you address it, the more affordable the remediation will be.
At Mold Solutions, we provide expert inspections and professional remediation services across the entire Tampa Bay area. We are committed to making your home a safe, healthy environment for the year ahead.
Ready for a breath of fresh air? Visit us at moldsolutions.com or call us today to schedule a Free Environmental Consultation.
