It’s never a good sign when humidity starts taking over your home. From condensation on the windows, to mouldy spots, musty odors and water stains, humidity can wreak havoc if you’re not careful. The best way to ensure humidity doesn’t damage your home is having a strong foundation, but there are also some easy changes you can make to banish humidity inside.
Here are the top 10 ways to reduce humidity in your home.
1. Resistant Siding
Investing in siding that’s resistant to water damage and humidity is one of the best steps you can take to protect your home. Quality vinyl siding like Gentek’s selection should hold up no matter the climate, and Sagiper siding is known to excel in high humidity areas. Make sure your home is equipped with the best products to save you hassle in the long run.
2. Storm Windows
Although storm windows themselves can sometimes have condensation, they reduce condensation on the interior windows. By adding a storm window, you protect your home by adding another layer of glass and increasing thermal insulation. Check out more benefits of storm windows on Gentek’s site here.
3. Ventilate
Make sure you have exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry rooms and check that they vent to the outside. If you don’t have exhaust fans, open a window to dry out the air. Ceiling fans and box fans also help to increase ventilation.
4. Invest in a Dehumidifier
If you want to rid your home of humidity, a dehumidifier will reduce humidity levels and odours, reduce irritation to your skin and respiratory system, and lower energy costs by helping your air conditioner run more efficiently.
5. Place House Plants Outside or in One Room
Plants release moisture into the air, so if you’re a plant fanatic this could be the reason for the humidity in your home. Concentrate your plants in one room, or keep them outside for a while until the humidity goes away.
6. Take Colder, Shorter Showers
When you take long, hot showers you increase the moisture in the air. Switch to cold, shorter showers to reduce humidity.
7. Be Mindful of Your Home’s Temperature
The relative humidity in your home will decrease if you raise the indoor temperature, so it’s beneficial to set your heat a few notches higher. Also note that if the temperature difference is too big between indoor and outdoor, humidity will increase inside.
8. Check Your Gutters
Don’t forget to check your gutters. Ensure your gutters are clean so water can leave your home efficiently.
9. Use a Slow Cooker
While stove-top cooking produces a lot of moisture, slow cookers result in less humidity in the air. If it’s not possible to use a slow cooker, make sure to turn on exhaust fans, but think about investing in a slow cooker as soon as you can.
10. Run Washers When Full
If your dish washer or clothing washer isn’t full, refrain from running a load. This will help decrease unnecessary humidity and will also reduce water waste.
If your home is showing signs of humidity, use these tips to clear the air.