Every now and then, it’s a good thing to check for mold in your home. Typically, any place that is dark or moist will attract mold. Here are a few places to look.

Two rooms that are very susceptible to mold are the kitchen and bathroom. Give your cabinets and cupboards a good cleaning every so often, as mold will occasionally grow in the corners. You should also check the drain pan in the refrigerator and the pots for your indoor plants. In the bathroom, check the shower and shower curtain, and look under the sinks in both rooms.

Another place conducive to mold growth is your cooling unit. In an HVAC system, the cooling coil cools the air in order to remove condensation. Consequently, the condensation accumulates on the coil, making it an ideal spot for mold. The drain pan beneath the coil, which collects the dripping condensation, is also a perfect place for mold growth. Systems with in-duct humidifiers may also lead to increased moisture in the ductwork, which, when combined with dirt, can be a breeding ground for mold. Swamp coolers, which cool the air by evaporating water, are also likely to have mold growing near the unit.

A more serious problem is when the mold grows in the wall cavities. If a section of your wall has cracked or peeling paint, is discolored, or is bulging, then there’s a good chance you have mold behind the drywall. When mold grows inside the wall, the drywall is almost always infected. It must be torn out and either cleaned or replaced.

Keep a watchful eye. It’s easier to stop the growth of mold than to repair the damages.