Humidity can be annoying when you’re out in public spaces, but you must draw the line when it happens indoors. After all, your home is supposed to be a safe and healthy place to lounge in. Stay ahead of the issue by addressing these common causes and maintaining moisture levels.
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What causes indoor humidity?
Humidity naturally comes and goes due to regular activities, like steam from cooking and condensation from a hot shower. However, excessive moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria in the air and on the surfaces of your home.
Outdoor weather also contributes to high humidity inside, especially if there are gaps around windows or doors that let in more air from outside. St. Paul Island in Alaska is one of the most humid cities in the United States, with an average relative humidity of 88%, well above the 80% mark common in other cities.
That said, it’s also a concern when humidity levels are below the moderate levels. The dryness can have consequences for your skin and sinuses. They can also be downright uncomfortable. It’s critical to mitigate humidity before it damages your health and home.
Humidity problems and solutions
Some humidity problems are easy to miss, so it’s key to pay attention to your surroundings and act accordingly. Here are some home humidity issues and how you can remedy them.
Foggy glass
Heat from a warm bath or the stove can cause fog on glass doors, mirrors and more. If it takes a long time for the steam to leave these surfaces, excess moisture in your space could lead to potential water damage. Use a ceiling fan or exhaust fans to improve air circulation and eliminate moisture.
Musty odors
Don’t dismiss that musty scent in your place as a natural sign of an aging home. Excessive moisture can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause allergies and other lung problems. Check your corners and confirm whether mildew or mold is forming in your home. Call specialists who can remove and remediate these issues, especially for bigger infestations.
Warm temperatures
If your home feels a little stuffy, consider exercising some natural ventilation. Open up the windows and doors. You can also leverage technology, such as automatic openers, to program the garage door to rise up and down at specific times. Opening it can let out air and regulate your humidity levels when needed, while closing it can minimize temperature loss.
Warped wood
If wood in your home is warping or your wallpaper is peeling off, indoor moisture content may be making your home’s surfaces contract. Dry the affected areas to mitigate the humidity problems. If the affected patches seem beyond repair, replace them as soon as possible and start taking preventive measures.
Moist carpeting
While concrete flooring is generally safer, you may be overlooking some moisture in the carpet installations underneath it. Too much humidity can encourage mold growth, which just keeps the cycle of damp air flow going. Consider swapping these out for area rugs to ensure frequent and thorough cleaning. For actual carpeting, you may have to look into insulated subflooring.
Electric shocks
It’s one of the worst feelings to plug in an appliance and get a shock. Unfortunately, low-humidity environments create static electricity buildup and make conductive surfaces a safety risk. Rather than dismissing the incident, boost your moisture levels at home with a humidifier to avoid such situations.
Sudden leaks
Leaks tend to contribute to dampness and humidity in the home. Try to look out for or listen for any trickling of water around the pipes, roofing and more. Once you identify the problem, schedule repairs right away. You can also request preventive maintenance, such as pipe insulation, to prevent pipes from getting cold and bursting later on.
Additional ways to manage humidity
Here are a few additional easy steps you can take to prevent humidity problems from the get-go:
- Monitor your home’s humidity levels: Use a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity. It’s best to keep the relative humidity between 30% and 50%, so adjust your levels with HVAC systems or a dehumidifier as needed.
- Maintain heating and cooling systems: To avoid breakdowns, take steps beyond regular maintenance and repairs for your heater or air conditioning system. The stronger your heating and cooling system, the more comfortable and healthy your atmosphere will be.
- Replace ventilation filters: Change the filters in ventilation units to eliminate the built-up dust and pollen that can inhibit air flow in your home. If you’re dealing with a metal mesh, wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Start taking care of houseplants: If you need to increase humidity levels, it’s worth learning how to get a green thumb. Certain indoor plants can slightly, yet significantly, impact humidity in naturally ventilated areas.
- Minimize moisture-creating activities: Most moisture can come from human-made activities, and your choices can impact how damp your home feels. For instance, dry your clothes outside instead to quicken the process while avoiding excess moisture indoors.
Control humidity levels for a healthier home
Instead of putting up with an uncomfortable home, check for the most common humidity problems. With a few tweaks, you can quickly achieve quality rest without worrying about heat or health problems.
Evelyn Long is a go-to expert for homeowners seeking to transform their living spaces, blending practical renovation advice with a passion for gardening. Her insights are featured in publications like Realty Executives and Plantsome, where she shares tips for creating beautiful and sustainable homes and gardens. She is also the editor-in-chief of the home living magazine, Renovated.