How to control the humidity in your home

Modern homes are well insulated and tightly sealed; they’re designed to withstand the elements, protecting us from the cold in the winter and keeping us cool in the summer. But well-insulated homes are more difficult to ventilate, which can lead to humidity problems and affect air quality. Read on to learn what can you do about the humidity in your home!

Too much humidity hurts your health

Humidity is one of the biggest contributing factors to poor air quality, as it promotes the growth of moulds, bacteria and mites in the home. While some people are more susceptible than others, excessive humidity can trigger symptoms that adversely affect a person’s quality of life, such as eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing and mucus buildup, respiratory problems, allergic reactions and asthma.

Is my home too humid?

While some of the signs of excessive moisture are obvious (foggy windows, mould, unpleasant smells), your home might be too humid without you even knowing it. You can use a hygrometer to measure your home’s relative humidity and make sure it is between 35% and 45%, the optimal range for the health and comfort of those who live there.

Controlling relative humidity

There are many easy ways you can reduce the moisture in the air in your home. For example:

  • Always turn your range hood on when you cook. Not only does it eliminate steam and condensation caused by cooking, it also removes smells and excessive heat from the kitchen.
  • Run the bathroom fan every time you take a bath or shower.
  • Get an air exchanger for your home. Air exchangers move stale air out, removing excess moisture and keeping relative humidity at optimal levels.
  • If floors or textiles get wet, dry them as quickly as possible.
  • Install fans in rooms that could use better ventilation.
  • If necessary, get a dehumidifier.

For more information about the importance of healthy indoor air quality and tips for improving the air quality in your home, check out our blog.

Source:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/air-quality/causes-poor-indoor-air-quality.html


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