So if you already know that you have high humidity problems in your home, what can you do about it? Many of the prevention measures are also effective in dealing with existing issues. Ventilation is key, and the simplest remedy is often to open windows. A more lasting solution could involve installing air conditioning, to get air circulating through your home, which will carry the moisture away. Alternatively, a dehumidifier draws moisture from the atmosphere, causing humidity to drop.
Make sure that washing machines and tumble driers are plumbed in properly, and vented so that moisture escapes as it should. How low should you let humidity get in your home? At lower humidity levels, the effects can include dry or itchy eyes, dry skin, and infections spreading more rapidly. Dry, low-humidity air also causes physical damage to the home.
Wood contains a certain amount of water, in ideal conditions, and when it loses too much moisture in dry air it experiences shrinkage. This can result in serious damage to flooring and furniture, or shifting window panes. Low humidity can also generate excess static electricity, which sometimes affects electrical equipment and computers. To prevent low humidity in your home, you should find ways to add more moisture into the air. For example, you might want to leave a door open to let steam escape from the shower.
Or you could choose to air-dry clothes indoors. You could turn down the heat or boil a pot of tea on the stove. Think about investing in some pot plants too as they release moisture into the air. All of these actions will increase the humidity in your home. If you have persistently dry air, you might want to consider installing air conditioning or a humidifier to get the conditions right.
An indoor air quality monitor will provide real-time and historical data on humidity, as well as other metrics, so you know exactly where problems exist and where they could potentially arise.
The most advanced air quality tech. Complete control over the air you breathe and the power to change it. Keep your family safe from the effects of allergens, pollution, wildfire smoke, viruses and more. Thousands of Radon sensors across the world, broken down by location.
See your region's approximate risk level. Looking for something else? Global homepage. How humidity damages your home — and how to fight it Marie Bannister , August 01, Introduction When humidity in your home is too high or too low, it can make living conditions unpleasant, and it can also do lasting damage to the property. Humidity is the measure of how much water vapor is in the air. Relative humidity tells a person how much water is in the air, relating to the total amount of moisture water vapor.
When the temperature is higher, the air can hold more water vapor. In a sense, relative humidity is what the morning weather forecaster talks about. Humidity is naturally a part of the atmosphere, and it comes from how much water vapor or moisture is in the air. Water vapor gets into the atmosphere when it evaporates from bodies of water on the surface, such as oceans, lakes, and the sea.
In a warm climate, humidity levels can be much higher. In winter, the humidity level is often lower. During summer, they are higher because the air holds more water vapor. Cleaning, cooking, showering, breathing, washing clothes, and dishwashing all release more moisture into the air. That means indoor humidity levels can rise. The temperature is important because many people stay indoors most of the time.
On a cold day, the outdoor air may have percent humidity and be at 41 degrees Fahrenheit. As the outdoor air is heated up to 73 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the moisture amount in the air stays the same. However, warm air can hold more water, so that humidity level drops to 33 percent.
However, warm air holds more moisture than cold air. On a humid and warm summer day, the temperature might be 86 degrees Fahrenheit with 80 percent humidity. That means the humidity level goes all the way to percent to condense the water dew point. This is often why the air conditioning system has a dehumidifier built into it. Without it, the walls of the house might always be wet.
At percent humidity, the air is fully saturated with moisture and it rains. About 21 percent of all asthma cases are caused by mold and dampness in the home.
Humid conditions are perfect for bacteria and mold growth. Extra moisture can be caused by rain getting through the windows, leaks, moisture in the basement, and rising damp from the ground.
Most people recommend having humidity levels at 50 percent. When they rise higher than that, the air gets damp and dense. It can cause more pollen and other bad things to seep in. That can trigger allergies. Since the humidity levels rise and the air is denser and damper, it can lead to respiratory problems. They like moderate temperatures with high humidity to absorb the water. Therefore, they live mostly in these areas.
These include:. Some people find it harder to concentrate when there is low humidity. It might seem like the oxygen is thin, which can cause others to think irrationally. Just remain conscientious that elevated humidity levels can damage your home, health, and comfort. If you suspect the humidity in your home may be too high for your liking — or your health — contact Home Climates today. We can help assess your home and offer the best solutions available. We will ensure that the humidity and comfort levels in your home are to your liking and that no damage has come to your property structural or otherwise!
Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. If you do find it, feel and check the surrounding area to ensure the moisture is not spreading to walls and nearby surfaces. You can often see moisture as discoloration, which can be tough to spot in certain lighting conditions. Do you see any peeling paint or hear floorboards creaking excessively? If you or any of your family members experience severe headaches, loss or shortness of breath, common allergy symptoms like wheezing, or a chronic cough then the humidity may be affecting your bodies.
Check your home for the smell of mold and mildew ; sometimes they may even have a smoky scent. Do any surfaces, including walls, floors, and shelves feel soft or moist? Do you see dark spots or discoloration? Want to know how to control humidity in your home, and make it more manageable? Keep reading! How to Decrease Humidity in Your House There are many tools and strategies you can employ to reduce the humidity in your home.
They work best when a room or area is sealed off, including all windows and doors. They remove moisture from the air but must remain away from walls and objects to allow for proper air flow. Proper Ventilation: You want to make sure that areas, where moisture is present, are properly ventilated , such as the kitchen and bathrooms.
Get extra fans if you think moisture is causing issues. They also remove moisture and humidity. Just make sure the unit you have installed is the appropriate size for the square footage of your property. Humidity Monitors : You can buy humidity monitors at a local hardware store or online to check moisture levels inside your home.
Weatherstripping : Weatherstripping around the doors and windows of your home creates an air tight seal to prevent cool or warm air from escaping, and excess humidity from seeping inside. Caulking is also used around windows and in seams. Interior Adjustments : You can make several changes to the interior of your home which includes installing ceiling fans, regularly cleaning your AC ducts and filters, and more.
Things You Can Do Indoors to Deal With Humidity Here are some quick tips for improving the humidity levels inside your home: Carpet is known to retain moisture, as do rugs. It may be a good idea to remove the carpet in your home and replace it with tile, wood flooring, or something else. Always ensure that pipes are insulated to prevent the moisture from sweating and condensation from spreading to nearby areas or surfaces.
You can line windows with plastic film or storm coating to eliminate moisture and condensation.
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