As temperatures have been dropping throughout the province in recent months, we’d like to share information regarding the impacts of high humidity and the potential outcomes in your home. Failure to control humidity may lead to the following issues:
- Frost accumulation in the attic: Humidity escaping to the attic can result in frost buildup on roof trusses and the underside of roof sheathing, causing “attic rain” when it melts onto insulation.
- Damp spots on ceilings or warm-side surfaces of exterior walls.
- Moisture on basement walls and floors.
- Streaks down exterior siding when temperatures rise.
- Frost on door handles, walls, and baseboards.
- Ice buildup on interior windows and doors.
Factors contributing to excess humidity at home include poorly set or controlled humidifiers, excessive moisture from damp basements, moisture-producing activities (cooking, bathing), failure to use bathroom fans properly, drying clothes indoors, a large number of plants, fish tanks, poor air circulation, closed drapes, and more.
Practical solutions to address these issues include:
- Identifying the source of moisture.
- Running bathroom fans for up to 24 hours during cold temperatures.
- Using the kitchen fan when cooking and boiling water.
- Ensuring adequate air circulation by opening doors between rooms.
- Avoiding the use of humidifiers in cold weather.
- Opening drapes and lifting blinds during cold weather.
- Wiping up condensation on windows during colder periods.
- Setting programmable thermostats to a reasonable temperature.
- Providing sufficient heat to all areas, ensuring it reaches exterior walls, ceilings, windows, and doors.
- Keeping heat registers open and ensuring cold air returns are not blocked.
- Investing in a hygrometer to measure humidity in different areas of the home.
These steps can often resolve many household moisture problems, promoting a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.
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