Do you have too much moisture in your home?

Do you have symptoms of excess moisture in your home? Symptoms include:

• Condensation on windows during the winter.
• Excessive mildew in the bathroom.
• Mold growing on interior surfaces (corner of a closet, kitchen or bathroom).
• Peeling, cracking or blistering paint on exterior or interior finishes.
• Dust allergies (caused by dust mites).

Indoor activities such as bathing, cooking, dishwashing and just breathing all produce moisture. Other moisture sources in the home include:

• Plants.
• Humidifiers.
• Stored firewood.
• Plumbing leaks.
• Unvented appliances.
• Outside air during humid weather.
• Damp soil under basements and crawlspaces.

Relative humidity

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in air at a given temperature. Keeping relative humidity lower helps to reduce moisture problems in homes.

When the relative humidity is more than 50%, moisture problems may occur. Generally, in cold winter conditions the relative humidity levels need to be low to prevent condensation and potential damage to the structure of the house and to discourage mold growth, which can cause allergies and respiratory problems.

Keeping the relative humidity at 25% (winter) to 50% (summer) is generally considered healthy and comfortable for people and better for the house.

Identify the source of moisture problems

To control a moisture problem, you must first identify and remove the source. If that isn't possible, then use a dehumidifier or ventilate the house by opening windows or adding a ventilation system.

How to reduce or eliminate high moisture levels in your home:

• Reduce sources of water evaporation (bathing, cooking, humidifiers, etc.).
• Install or inspect and repair exhaust fans in your bathrooms.
• Install an exhaust fan in the kitchen to remove moisture caused by cooking.
• Bring dry outdoor air into the home to replace stale, moist air that is being exhausted.
• Check that exhaust ventilation systems are working properly.
• Consider adding a whole house ventilation system.
• In winter, temporarily open windows just a little to allow warm moist air to leave the home and allow cold, dry air to come in.
• In summer, use a properly sized air-conditioner or stand-alone dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
• Seal openings that might allow warm, moist air to enter walls, ceilings and the attic where it may become a cause of structural damage to the home.