How to Remove Moisture in your Home15 Oct
High levels of humidity in your house are not only uncomfortable but can also cause damage to the structure and integrity of your home.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests that the ideal humidity levels are between 30% and 50% to achieve the most comfortable living environment. Optimal humidity provides the following benefits:
1. Improved comfort.
2. Protects wood, paint, and furniture.
3. Inhibition of mold and mite growth.
4. Reduces allergens.
5. Decreased energy consumption using the correct dehumidification device.
Those who live in warmer climates often need to control the moisture in their home by running their HVAC unit all year long, consuming a great deal of energy. To conserve energy consumption and to use your HVAC system more conservatively, experts recommend that you:
1. Set the fan to run automatically.
2. Install a device with variable speed air handling.
3. Invest in a whole-house dehumidifier.
4. Do not automatically turn down the thermostat.
Experts also note that HVAC systems can only manage the humidity that they are designed to remove. There are a few ways to help prevent extra moisture from seeping into your home:
1. Turn on the ventilation fan in the kitchen and bathroom.
2. Install a dehumidifier.
3. Cover the floor in the crawl space with a plastic vapor barrier.
4. Seal pipe leaks.
5. Grow indoor plants that absorb moisture from the air.
6. Clean the air conditioning drip tray and drainage pipe to keep it clear.
7. Avoid hot showers and boiling water on the stove in humid weather.
8. Clean gutters and downspouts, and extend downspouts away from the house.