The degree of humidity in your house plays an important role in the health of your family and home. Therefore you should take measures to control the percentage of moisture in the air for maximum safety and comfort. If you are searching for professional regarding removal of humidity and moisture from your home, look no further than the Handyman. Their skilled professionals can help, with the following tips to prevent excessive moisture and how you remove it.
What is the definition of too much?
Typically, indoor relative humidity ought to be between 30% and 50% that you accurately measure with a cheap hygrometer, available at your neighborhood home improvement store or hardware shop. You may experience these symptoms and more, if humidity levels are excessively low:
- Chapped lips
- Static electricity
- Scratchy throat
- Irritated and itchy skin
- Dry skin
- Shrinking of furniture and hardwood flooring
On the other hand, more than 60% humidity can cause:
- Condensation on windows
- Increased allergy and asthma symptoms
- Structural deterioration
- Mildew and mold growth
- Musty odors
- Pest infestation
How to Get Rid of Humidity
Reduce the level of humidity in your home soonest possible, once you observe signs of high humidity. Follow our tips to prevent more damage to your property and health and improve your indoor air quality.
Identify the Source
Eliminate the cause by determining why the inside of your house is too humid. Are your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans working? Does your dryer vent outwards? Do you have a full time humidifier running? Are there any leaks in the plumbing? Are there leaks in your roof or foundation? The initial step towards reducing humidity is repairing or correcting any existing issues.
Clean Up
It is vital that you treat and remove visible mold as soon as you see it, as it can spread quickly. Wipe up leaks or spills to remove standing water and prevent mildew and mold.
Increase Ventilation
Moisture tends to accumulate in areas like basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Therefore increase ventilation in these zones by doing the following:
Switch on vent fans when running the dishwasher, doing laundry, showering, and cooking, and make sure they vent outwards and not the attic. Temperature permitting, open windows and doors to increase air circulation in your home.
Switch on the AC
Use floor and ceiling to circulate air
Ensure return and supply vents are open and unobstructed by drapery or furnishings
Your air conditioner, removes excess moisture apart from cooling the air during summer months. Hence, keep your AC in good condition through annual inspection, and make sure the tonnage of the device is suitable for your home.
Install a Dehumidifier
An entire house or portable dehumidifier will remove excessive moisture. However, you have to drain accumulated water from it frequently.
Use Desiccants
Desiccant dehumidifiers work by absorbing excess moisture, and are perfect for small spaces like a closet or bedroom.
Tips for controlling indoor humidity
Use these humidity control tips to keep excess moisture away:
- Repair leaks as soon as possible, and conduct periodic inspections of visible plumbing
- Make sure the ground slopes away from your home
- Use energy efficient double pane glass on your windows
- Consider using hard flooring instead of carpets
- Identify leaks by scheduling annual roof inspections
Get in touch with your local Handyman company for immediate home repair, improvement, and maintenance services.
