5 Ways To Prevent Humidity
Excess humidity in your home can cause a range of issues, from window condensation to mould on ceilings and walls.
This article will help you understand the potential risks associated with excess humidity in house and 5 ways you can help prevent it.
How humidity can lead to an Insurance claim
High humidity may be a sign of serious problems, affecting your home and potentially your health.
Excess humidity in house can cause wood and other materials to decay. It can also generate excessive condensation around windows that lead to mould.
High humidity levels may also be a sign of other problems, such as standing water under your home, around the foundation, or even unseen plumbing leaks.
What should humidity be in house?
Indoor humidity levels should be 30-50%, which can be found by using a humidity sensor that you can buy at any hardware store. Many modern thermostats also have a ‘humidity levels feature’ which help you maintain normal humidity levels in house.
Potential health problems with mould/fungal growth
Excess humidity in house can cause indoor air to become polluted and can lead to mould growing in and spreading throughout your home.
Health Canada considers indoor mould to be a significant health hazard, leading to potential health problems, such as:
- Respiratory allergy symptoms
- Asthma
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Coughing and phlegm build-up
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
5 Tips to Reduce Humidity in House:
Now that you have a better understanding of what humidity can lead to, here are 5 simple tips to help you prevent it.
1.Air out your home
Allowing air in for proper ventilation is key to reducing condensation and other problems caused by humidity. When the weather is nice, open doors and windows to help circulate the air in your home.
2. Invest in a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers remove water droplets from the air and lowering humidity levels in your home to helping prevent mould buildup. If you’re in a house, put it in your basement and keep it running constantly to maintain appropriate humidity levels.
3. Seal any gaps
Help keep humid air from getting into your home by properly sealing gaps around windows and doors, where excess moisture may be able to get in.
4. Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen
Using exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen can help prevent moisture from building up in your home. Always run ventilation fans while showering and for 5 to 10 minutes afterwards. This can help achieve normal humidity in house.
5. Measure humidity levels with a hygrometer
Hygrometers measure the amount of water vapour in the air and can usually be picked up at any neighborhood hardware stores. If your humidity levels are above 80%, you should consider taking some of the actions mentioned above to help reduce that percentage (as quickly as possible).
If you have any questions about home insurance, a TD Insurance Advisor is available to answer your questions online via our Live Chat or over the phone.