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CartHere’s How to Lower Humidity in Your Home
A certain level of moisture is necessary for basic comfort, but too much humidity can cause mould and mildew, degrade your home’s air quality, harbour bacteria, and damage your possessions. It’s important to find the right balance. You can reduce humidity in your house with attention to your HVAC system, proper ventilation, and small appliances and fixtures that remove water from the air.
Remove Moisture with a Dehumidifier
Relatively inexpensive and extremely effective, a good dehumidifier is one of the quickest solutions to excess moisture in your home. Portable dehumidifiers excel at eliminating dampness, particularly in basements in older homes where telltale efflorescence (whitish salt deposits), damp baseboards and unpleasant odours are common symptoms of moisture problems. A fan in the machine pulls in damp air, condenses it into water on a cold coil, then channels the water into a reservoir for disposal or drainage. A portable dehumidifier can be rolled to different locations on the same floor or moved throughout the house. You can also opt for a stationary, high-capacity dehumidifier for the basement if that part of the house is always damp.
Turn Up the AC
Use your home HVAC system or a combination of window air conditioners and portable air conditioners when the humidity ramps up in the muggy summer months. While you may be reluctant to turn on central air-conditioning to avoid a higher energy bill, cranking up the AC will help eliminate excess moisture by the same method as a dehumidifier. It draws in air, condenses moisture, and re-circulates cooler, drier air throughout your home. Be sure to have your furnace air conditioner serviced by an HVAC professional prior to cooling season. Remember to swap out the filter on a portable unit once a year or according to the manufacturer’s directions. Smart AC units can be programmed and controlled wirelessly via downloadable phone apps.
Improve Home Ventilation with Fans
Stagnant air traps moisture and increases humidity, but you can improve ventilation with ceiling fans and portable fans. You’ll notice an immediate difference in comfort once the air starts moving in a room with a ceiling fan, even on a constant, low-speed setting. Make sure it’s turning in a counter-clockwise direction to force cool air downward when it’s warm outside, and clockwise in winter. An oscillating tabletop fan or tower fan can work well in stuffy rooms to help evaporate moisture and refresh those living spaces. Look for a fan that’s quiet and has multiple speed settings if you plan to run it at night or in a home office. A cordless rechargeable fan doesn’t require a wall outlet to operate and can be placed anywhere.
Use Exhaust Fans in High Humidity Areas
Your bathroom and kitchen likely already have an exhaust fan, but upgrading to a more efficient model can help maximize the removal of moisture from bathing and cooking. Bathroom fan efficiency is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), with a higher number indicating faster air removal. The same applies to the range hoods in the kitchen. The ideal CFM rating for your space depends on the square footage so be sure to read the product specifications for direction.
Seal Out Drafts with Weather Stripping
Sealing leaks in windows and doors is fundamental to home comfort and energy efficiency. Indoor condensation on your windows signals the need to tighten the seal with weather stripping. Inexpensive and easy to apply, weather stripping comes in tape-like rolls of foam or rubber material with adhesive backing. Pliable caulking will work on larger gaps, and an adjustable door sweep will seal out any drafts coming under the door threshold.
Use Moisture Absorbers
There are also some passive methods of ridding dampness that require no hardware or energy. Commercial desiccants are available in multiple formats, including packets, tubs and hangers containing silica gel. Common household products such as baking soda, natural charcoal, and cat litter can also be effective moisture absorbers. Place them on high shelves or hang discreetly in cheesecloth to keep them out of reach of children and pets. Refresh the contents every few weeks.
Use Your Dryer vs. Hang-Drying
Hang-drying laundry indoors saves energy but releases moisture into the air. Consider doing loads in the dryer instead, or using an outdoor clothesline in fair weather. Umbrella-shaped outdoor clothes dryers are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to install. A small, expandable clothes rack is a great space-saving option for decks, balconies and confined areas exposed to the breeze. Clothes will dry faster in the natural elements and smell fresher, too.
Use Plants to Help Regulate Humidity
There is ample evidence that common houseplants such as spider plants, ferns, and other varieties can help to clean household air. However, they can also add humidity. Consider moving your plants outdoors to the deck or patio after the last frost. You can move them back inside once the furnace comes on and their beauty and succulence are welcome again.
Excess humidity in your home can be an irritant and even a health risk, so it’s important to keep moisture in check. Consider installing a humidity sensor to monitor the dampness level and inform you if it’s time for action. Whether it’s cranking up the AC or buying a good dehumidifier, there are plenty of easy options to regulate humidity and keep your home comfortable.
