Why Is My House So Humid?

Why Is My House So Humid?

Humidity is the amount of moisture present in the air. It is measured by a device called a hygrometer and is expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature. High humidity in homes can have a negative impact on comfort, health, and energy efficiency. In this blog post, we will discuss the common causes of high humidity in homes and ways to reduce it.

Humidity

Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air, usually expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature. The higher the humidity, the greater the amount of water vapor present in the air.

Overview of Causes of High Humidity in Homes

High humidity in homes can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor ventilation, leaky pipes or poorly installed gutters, poor insulation, excessive indoor moisture sources, lack of dehumidification equipment, weather conditions, condensation from cold surfaces, elevated levels of outdoor air pollution, and improperly sealed windows and doors.

Common Causes of High Humidity in Homes

1. Poor Ventilation: Poor ventilation can cause the air to become stagnant, which can lead to an increase in humidity. Opening windows and doors can help to increase air circulation, preventing humidity from becoming overly high.

2. Leaky Pipes or Poorly Installed Gutters: Leaky pipes or poorly installed gutters can cause water to seep into the home, resulting in an increase in humidity.

3. Poor Insulation: Poor insulation can allow moisture from the outside to enter the home, resulting in an increase in humidity.

4. Excessive Indoor Moisture Sources: Excessive indoor moisture sources, such as plants, cooking, and bathing can all contribute to an increase in humidity.

5. Lack of Dehumidification Equipment: Dehumidifiers can help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air, but if the home does not have one, humidity levels can become too high.

6. Weather Conditions: High temperatures and humidity outside can cause the air inside to become too moist.

7. Condensation from Cold Surfaces: Condensation from cold surfaces, such as windows and walls, can contribute to an increase in humidity.

8. Elevated Levels of Outdoor Air Pollution: Pollution from outside can also increase humidity levels inside the home.

9. Improperly Sealed Windows and Doors: If windows and doors are not properly sealed, moisture can enter the home, resulting in higher humidity levels.

Ways to Reduce Humidity in the Home

1. Install a Dehumidifier or Purchase a Home Humidistat: A dehumidifier or home humidistat can help to regulate indoor humidity levels. A humidifier can be fatal in that condition.

2. Increase Ventilation by Opening Windows and Doors Regularly: Opening windows and doors can help to increase air circulation, which can help to reduce humidity levels.

3. Make Sure Your Home Is Well Insulated: Poor insulation can allow moisture from the outside to enter the home, resulting in higher humidity levels.

4. Invest in Weather Stripping Around Doors and Windows: Weather stripping around doors and windows can help to keep moisture from entering the home.

5. Use Fans to Circulate Air Throughout the House: Using fans to circulate air throughout the house can help to reduce humidity levels.

Conclusion

High humidity in homes can have a negative impact on comfort, health, and energy efficiency. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to increased humidity in homes, including poor ventilation, leaky pipes or poorly installed gutters, poor insulation, excessive indoor moisture sources, lack of dehumidification equipment, weather conditions, condensation from cold surfaces, elevated levels of outdoor air pollution, and improperly sealed windows and doors. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce humidity in the home, such as installing a dehumidifier or purchasing a home humidistat, increasing ventilation by opening windows and doors regularly, making sure your home is well insulated, investing in weather stripping around doors and windows, and using fans to circulate air throughout the house.