The best ways to control moisture levels in the home include using dehumidifiers, sealing air leaks, running exhaust fans when cooking or showering, and using a humidistat.
Moisture levels in the home can have a huge impact on your comfort and health. Too much moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and other allergens that can cause respiratory problems.
Too little moisture can make the air in your home dry and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to control the moisture levels in your home and keep it comfortable for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to control moisture levels in the home so you can enjoy a healthier living environment.
Using Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier works by drawing in air from the room, cooling it down and removing excess moisture. The collected water is then stored in a tank or drained away through a hose.
Dehumidifiers are especially useful for controlling humidity levels in areas such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where there is often high humidity due to activities like showering or washing clothes. By reducing the amount of moisture in these areas, you can help prevent mold growth and reduce musty odors that can be caused by too much humidity.
Using a dehumidifier can also help make your home more comfortable during hot summer months when high humidity makes it feel even hotter than it actually is.
Sealing Air Leaks
Air leaks are gaps or cracks in walls, windows, and doors that allow outside air to enter the home. This can cause an increase in humidity levels inside the house, leading to mold growth and other problems.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to seal any air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping. Caulk is a flexible material that can be used to fill small gaps around windows and doors while weatherstripping is a foam-like material that can be used for larger openings such as door frames.
Sealing these air leaks will help keep moisture out of your home and maintain comfortable humidity levels inside.
Using Exhaust Fans
These fans work by drawing out moist air from inside the house and replacing it with dryer air from outside. This helps to reduce humidity, which can cause mold growth and other problems.
Exhaust fans should be installed in areas of the home that tend to have higher levels of moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. The fan should be set up so that it is vented directly outside rather than into an attic or crawl space.
Exhaust fans should be used when cooking or showering to help remove excess steam and moisture from the air quickly.
Increasing Ventilation
Ventilation helps to reduce humidity by allowing moist air to escape and dry air to enter. This can be done by opening windows, using fans, or installing an exhaust fan in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens that are prone to high humidity.
Adding a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air and keep it at a comfortable level for living. By increasing ventilation, homeowners can ensure their homes remain free of excessive moisture which can lead to mold growth and other health issues.
Installing a Vapor Barrier in the Basement or Crawl Space
A vapor barrier is a material, such as plastic sheeting, that prevents water vapor from passing through it. It acts as an effective barrier against moisture and helps keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
Installing a vapor barrier can help reduce humidity levels in these areas, which can lead to improved air quality throughout the home. It can help protect furniture and other items stored in these areas from damage caused by excess moisture.
Installing a vapor barrier requires some preparation work before installation; this includes cleaning any dirt or debris from the area where it will be installed and ensuring that all cracks are sealed properly. Once installed correctly, a vapor barrier should last for many years with minimal maintenance required.
Using Window Treatments to Reduce Humidity Levels From Outside Air
Window treatments such as blinds, shades, and curtains can help keep out excess moisture from entering the home. By blocking direct sunlight and trapping air between the window treatment and the glass, these treatments act as a barrier that prevents humid air from entering through windows.
Some window treatments are designed with special materials that absorb moisture or reflect heat away from your home. This helps keep indoor temperatures comfortable while also reducing humidity levels inside your house.
Running an Air Conditioner During Humid Months
An air conditioner works by cooling and dehumidifying the air, which helps reduce humidity levels inside your home. The cooler temperature created by an air conditioner also prevents warm, moist air from entering your home through windows and doors.
By running an air conditioner during humid months, you can keep your indoor humidity levels low and comfortable while also keeping out any unwanted moisture or allergens that may be present in the outside environment.