As Salt Lake City continues to grow and change, so do the challenges facing homeowners. Between aging homes, fluctuating weather, and increased awareness around indoor health, 2025 is shaping up to be a year when proactive home care matters more than ever.
While many homeowners focus on energy efficiency or cosmetic updates, environmental hazards like mold, water intrusion, asbestos, and poor air quality often go unnoticed—until they cause serious issues.
At Farwest Environmental, we believe peace of mind starts with a healthy home. Here are five critical risks to be aware of in 2025—and what you can do to keep your Salt Lake City home safe.
Mold: A Hidden Threat in More Than Just Basements
Mold is one of the most common indoor environmental hazards—and one of the most misunderstood. In Utah’s dry climate, many homeowners assume mold isn’t a concern. But that’s not always the case.
Anywhere moisture is present, mold can grow—especially in bathrooms, attics, crawlspaces, HVAC systems, or after a water event like a leak or flood. According to the EPA, mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure.
Signs mold may be present:
- Persistent musty odor
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
- New or worsening allergy symptoms
- Soft or discolored patches on walls or ceilings
It’s important to understand that water mitigation does not automatically include mold remediation. While mitigation dries out wet materials, it doesn’t always remove or treat mold spores. In fact, many mold problems begin after mitigation is completed.
If you’ve had water damage or suspect mold, a professional inspection is the best way to know what’s really going on behind the walls.
Water Intrusion: Not Always Obvious, Always Serious
Salt Lake City homeowners are no strangers to seasonal moisture—from snowmelt to sudden spring storms. Over time, even minor water intrusion can lead to major problems, especially in basements or homes with poor drainage.
Left unaddressed, water damage can:
- Compromise structural integrity
- Create ideal conditions for mold growth
- Lead to long-term insulation and drywall deterioration
Risk factors in Salt Lake homes include:
- Settling foundations that create drainage issues
- Clogged gutters or downspouts
- Old or improperly sloped roofs
- Poorly sealed windows or doors
Annual inspections and prompt repair of any water intrusion are key. Look for early signs like staining on walls or ceilings, warped baseboards, or unexplained humidity.
Asbestos: Still Present in Older Salt Lake Homes
If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). While not dangerous when left undisturbed, asbestos becomes a serious health hazard when cut, drilled, or sanded during renovations.
According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to airborne asbestos fibers has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.
Common places asbestos is found:
- Popcorn ceilings
- Vinyl floor tiles
- HVAC duct wrap
- Old roofing or siding
- Pipe insulation
Before starting any home improvement projects in an older home, it’s critical to have an asbestos inspection. It’s not only about safety—it’s often required to comply with building regulations.
Lingering Odors and Indoor Air Quality
A clean-looking home can still harbor indoor air pollutants that impact your health and comfort. Odors from pets, smoke, mold, chemicals, or even past hoarding or fire damage often persist long after a surface-level cleaning.
Odors don’t just affect resale value—they can contribute to headaches, asthma, and chronic respiratory irritation. Many homeowners turn to scented candles or air fresheners, which may worsen indoor air quality by introducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Better solutions include:
- Odor-neutralizing treatments from certified professionals
- HEPA air filtration
- Removing the source of the contamination, not just masking it
If you notice smells that return shortly after cleaning, it’s likely that deeper remediation is needed.
Buying or Living in a Previously Distressed Property
More Salt Lake City buyers in 2025 are purchasing:
- Distressed properties
- Foreclosures
- Inherited homes
- Houses with a known history of hoarding, fire, or water damage
While these homes may be “cleaned out,” they often retain hidden environmental hazards that can affect indoor air quality and long-term livability. These include embedded odors, mold growth behind walls, or contamination in HVAC systems.
Before moving in—or if you’re already living in one of these homes—consider a full environmental health inspection to identify what might still be lurking beneath the surface.
How Farwest Environmental Helps Salt Lake City Homeowners
At Farwest Environmental, we offer comprehensive services designed to help you keep your home clean, safe, and livable year-round.
Our services include:
- Mold inspection and remediation, including post-mitigation clearance testing
- Asbestos testing and abatement for renovations or real estate transactions
- Odor removal and indoor air quality support, especially in previously distressed properties
- Hoarding cleanup and full home sanitization services for neglected or inherited homes
Our team is trained, certified, and focused on the long-term health of your property—not just temporary fixes. We serve homeowners across Salt Lake City and surrounding Utah communities, including older homes, new builds, and everything in between.
Conclusion: Prioritize a Healthy Home in 2025
Your home is more than four walls—it’s the foundation of your health, safety, and peace of mind. In 2025, keeping your Salt Lake City home safe means going beyond routine maintenance and understanding the environmental risks that are often overlooked.
Whether you’re dealing with moisture issues, planning a renovation, or simply want assurance that your home is truly safe, Farwest Environmental is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a home environmental assessment or mold inspection—and take the first step toward a healthier 2025.
