You will need to measure the humidity level in various rooms in your home both while performing moisture-producing activities like showering, cooking, or doing laundry and shortly thereafter as the water is becoming more evenly distributed throughout your home. This will give you an idea of your home’s “moisture profile. "
Humidity that is too high is not healthy. It negatively affects your health and can cause mold problems along with structural issues around your home. Humidity that is too low is not healthy either. Without enough moisture in the air, you are likely to feel mild to extreme discomfort, coupled with symptoms like chapped lips, sore eyes, difficulty in breathing, and painful sinuses. If your moisture level is too high, proceed with the remaining steps.
Poor ventilation. Indoor air quality is affected by how much fresh air enters your home and how much of the contaminated air is released outside. There are things that we do daily which significantly increase the moisture content of air inside our homes, such as showering, cooking, running the gas heater, drying laundry inside, etc. Without proper ventilation, humid air is trapped inside our dwelling, causing too much moisture in the air. Water leaks. Leaky pipes, roofs, and plumbing fixtures are all causes of excess moisture. As soon as you notice any sign of a leak, have it fixed right away. Wet materials or furnishings also contribute to high humidity. If your home has sustained water damage from flood or leaks, all surfaces and furniture affected must be dried completely.
Install vents or exhaust fans especially in areas that create moisture a lot, such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and basement. You may also want to install fans in your attic. Or, open the windows and doors of your bathroom after showering, as well as the windows in your kitchen when cooking. Add a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is an effective and inexpensive tool for controlling humidity levels inside a home or building. It works like a refrigerator, drawing moisture-filled air into a cold, ‘refrigerated’ coil. The damp air then condenses into water droplets which are collected in a water tank. Get an air purifier. It is an easy way to achieve healthy ventilation inside your home. Choose the one which fits the size of your dwelling.
Install insulation around water pipes to help decrease ‘sweating’. Additionally, add waterproof insulation on toilet tanks. Install weather-stripping on your windows, caulk the frames, and ensure that the glazing is in good shape. Waterproof your home, including the basement. Clean and repair any problems with your roof, gutters, and downspouts. These are major sources of water damage. Loose shingles and flashing can cause water to infiltrate your attic, soffits, or wall cavities. During your next home renovation, ask your contractor about building materials that are less porous or less susceptible to moisture.
Clean or replace your HVAC filters regularly. Ensuring that your air conditioning and heating system is in good condition is essential to maintaining good air quality. The filters for your AC system and furnaces can get clogged with dust and other debris from time to time. Thus, regularly cleaning or changing filters is a must. Replace rugs and carpets if you notice that they are already moldy and smelling musty. These floor coverings collect moisture and can contribute to high humidity levels. If they are still in good condition, just have them cleaned and dried. If you already have mold problems at home, contact a remediation specialist to have it removed, your furnishings cleaned, and the source of the humidity fixed. When cleaning up after water damage, make use of tools that speed the drying process, such as air movers and air scrubbers.
