High indoor humidity makes your house uncomfortable. Elevated levels of humidity make it easy for mold and mildew to thrive. Use an inexpensive device called a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in your home. An ideal indoor humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. Here are some helpful tips to reduce humidity in the home.
Use Exhaust Fans to Reduce Humidity in the Home
Using exhaust fans while cooking, bathing, or showering will help reduce the humidity indoors by drawing moisture outdoors. Your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans should vent to the outside.
Sometimes, exhaust fans are vented to the attic which can lead to mold growth. If any of your exhaust fans are not venting to the outdoors, they should be upgraded to do so.
Keep the Crawlspace Dry
If your home has a crawlspace with a dirt floor, moisture from the ground raises the humidity in the rest of your home. The solution is to install a vapor barrier over the ground in your crawlspace. Next, install a dehumidifier in the area to help keep the humidity low.
Reduce Humidity in the Home During Daily Activities
Small changes in daily activities will go a long way to reduce indoor humidity. Cook on the stovetop with pots and pans covered. Take cooler, shorter showers. Don’t overwater indoor plants. Adjusting your habits can have a big effect on indoor humidity.
Maintain Proper Drainage to Reduce Humidity
Stormwater should drain away from your home. When water collects next to your foundation, water may seep into your basement or crawlspace which increases humidity. Clean the gutters and make sure downspout extenders direct water away from the foundation.
Use a Dehumidifier
Shop for a portable dehumidifier when you need to lower humidity in one room. If high humidity is a problem throughout your house, install a whole-house dehumidifier. It requires little maintenance and will reduce humidity levels in the entire home.
Precision Home Inspectors offers home inspection services and mold testing. We use thermal imaging cameras during a home inspection to detect moisture issues. Contact us to request an appointment.