Humidity can cause mildew, mold, and other moisture-related problems. Read on for some easy tips on how to reduce humidity in the home.
Why Should You Reduce Humidity in the Home?
Here are a few issues humidity may cause in your home:
- Wood that swells and deteriorates over time
- Mildew and mold growth
- Discomfort in the home
- Rusting metals
The above situations lead to home damages that could be costly to repair. Now that you know why it’s important to reduce humidity in the home, the next step is to learn how to do so.
Improve Your Home’s Ventilation
Moisture builds up easily in bathrooms and kitchens. A simple way to reduce moisture and humidity is to crack open a window when cooking or showering. Also run an exhaust fan when performing these activities. It is best if these fans vent to the outdoors.
An attic is likely to get humid if it isn’t ventilated correctly. Use vents and attic fans to help keep that area dry. Fans throughout the entire house also help reduce humidity in the home.
Take Shorter or Colder Showers to Reduce Humidity in the Home
Make it a habit for the entire family to take colder and shorter showers. Long and hot showers produce a lot of steam. That steam contributes to added moisture in the home.
Take Out the Plants
Do you have a lot of plants in your home? Limit these if you’re having trouble with humidity. Plants contribute to humidity by releasing moisture into the air. Don’t overwater the plants that you do keep inside.
Replace or Repair Doors and Windows
The humidity levels in the home will increase when drafty doors and windows allow moisture from outside to build up over time. Weatherstrip the bottom of the doors to keep air out. Another fix to the problem is to install a storm door.
Your windows might need weatherstripping, caulking, or plastic film installed on the glass itself. The best option for old windows and doors might be to replace them.
Inspect the Gutters
Did you know that improperly maintained gutters and downspouts can cause humidity in your home? Excess water may accumulate at the foundation when gutters aren’t able to perform correctly. This water can seep into the house and cause humidity and other major problems.
Use a Dehumidifier to Reduce Humidity in the Home
This is one of the easiest ways to reduce humidity in the home since you only have to go out and buy one. A portable dehumidifier is not expensive and will lower humidity levels in the room.
Monitor the humidity levels in your home with a hygrometer. The best range is between 30-50%. You’ll start to experience negative effects related to humidity when it rises above that level.
High humidity levels are bad for your entire family. By-products of humidity, like mold, have the potential to cause health problems for you and your loved ones. Use the above tips and make an effort to lower the humidity in your home.
Quality Check Home Inspections provides inspection services to Eugene, Oregon and the surrounding areas. Contact us to book your appointment.