Summer is now rapidly being forgotten and winter lies ahead. As the weather turns cooler and the sun disappears from the sky, it’s all too common to discover that your home goes through some seasonal changes too. In some areas, humidity levels start to rise as the winter arrives, with wetter weather and heated homes. Condensation can begin to form on windows and damp can start to appear in basements. 

The best level of humidity for any home lies between 30% and 40%. If your home has a humidity level of under 30%, it will feel uncomfortable. Wood items will also begin to dry out. On the other hand though, if your home has a humidity level of over 50%, mold can start to develop, with corrosion, water stains, rot and dust mites. It’s therefore important to know how humid your home’s interior is and then to take action to address any imbalances to ensure your home is protected from damage and your family stay safe and in good health.

What Are The Signs Of High Humidity?

There are several signs to look out for to indicate that there is a high level of humidity in your home. These include: 

  • Condensation appearing on windows if the temperatures drop
  • Your home smells musty
  • The house has a sticky, clammy or muggy feeling
  • Allergy symptoms begin to be experienced inside the house
  • Mold starts to develop around pipes, on windows, on the ceiling, in the bathroom or in the corner of the wall
  • Water stains begin to appear on ceilings and walls

How Do I Reduce Humidity Inside My Home?

To return your home to a correct level of humidity, there are few steps to take.

Firstly, you need to identify where the moisture is coming from. Being aware of the reasons for the humidity helps you to take a targeted approach when resolving the problem. The problem could be due to poor ventilation, a lack of exhaust fans, leaking in the roof or basement, a broken or incorrectly sized HVAC system, no vent on the clothes dryer or even storing newly cut wood in the home.

Some other steps to take include:

  • Invest in a dehumidifier to remove water from the air and to speed the process of evaporation. Make sure to choose the right size and type of dehumidifier for your home. You can see more here about how to pick the best dehumidifier to suit your space.
  • Improving airflow and ventilation. When cooking switch on an exhaust fan to prevent moisture in the food affecting your home and always use a bathroom fan while showering or bathing then leave it on for half an hour after you leave the room. You may need to install an exhaust fan in your laundry room as well as a vent for the dryer to make sure hot air goes outdoors.
  • Improve your drainage. Ensure your downspouts and gutters are clear and that the landscaping and downspouts are properly directing water away from the properly.
  • Change your floors. If you have carpets in your home, they can retain moisture. It’s best to switch them for hard floors like laminate or vinyl to reduce humidity.
  • Insulate the pipes. Pipes in the home which are exposed can sweat. If they are properly insulated this won’t happen and they’ll be properly protected from cold weather.
  • Upgrade the windows. Double pain windows or windows with insulating film applied will reduce energy exchange in the winter and will cause less condensation. Ensure the caulking and weather stripping around your windows are also in good condition.

Follow this advice to make sure your home stays at the right humidity level all year round. There’s no need to suffer from condensation, damp and mold during the winter – with these top tips, you’ll find that your home is comfortable throughout the cooler months and will stay mold free.

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