Moisture Problems
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Moisture! Moisture levels inside your house can affect your home, your health and your comfort. Whether too humid or too dry, both indicated poor air quality that is likely a symptom of a bigger problem. Where does it come from, why should we be concerned and what can we do about it?
VOICE-OVER:
All indoor air contains some moisture. A family can produce as much as10 kg of moisture a day just from bathing, washing dishes and breathing. Here's how to identify a moisture problem.
- is there mould on your windows & walls
- does the air in your home smell musty, especially in the basement
- are your windows fogged or frosted in the winter
It's recommended that you keep relative humidity levels to between 30 and 55%. In winter, you'll want to keep it lower. The best way to check humidity levels in your home is with a hygrometer.
The best way to solve humidity problems is at their source. First, find out if there are actual leaks that are bringing moisture in and deal with those. A properly sealed and insulated basement can cut a significant source of moisture problems.
Throughout the rest of your house, look for damp patches or mould, especially in cool places like closets on exterior walls, corners of rooms, on widow frames and in bathrooms. An expert can help find and stop the moisture at its source.
Here are some easy things you can do to reduce humidity levels in your home.
- Turn on your bathroom fan when taking a bath or shower, let it run for a few minutes to exhaust moisture.
- Use your range hood fan when cooking and make sure it's vented outdoors.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors
- Ensure your dryer is vented to the outside.
- Avoid moisture producing activities such as drying firewood inside.
An energy efficient house is properly sealed to minimize air leaks, insulated to keep heat in and ventilated to remove excess moisture and indoor air pollutants while ensuring good air quality.
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An EnerGuide for Houses advisor will help you pinpoint and understand sources of moisture problems in your home. Getting the right advice on eliminating moisture problems is essential to a healthy home.
