Humidity can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable, and in extreme cases, it can even lead to mold growth. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to combat excess moisture and create a more pleasant living environment.
This guide will explore various methods on how to remove excess humidity from your house, room by room, and even your basement!
Understanding Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour present in the air. Ideally, you want your home’s humidity level to be between 30% and 50%. Higher levels can cause discomfort and encourage mould growth.
Battling Humidity on All Fronts
Here’s a multi-pronged approach to tackle how to remove humidity from a house:
Increase Ventilation:
- Exhaust Fans: Turn on exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom whenever you cook, shower, or bathe. This helps expel moisture-laden air directly outside.
- Open Windows: When weather permits, open windows to create a natural cross breeze that carries away humid air.
Air Conditioning:
Most air conditioners have a dehumidifying function. Running your AC can significantly reduce humidity levels, especially during hot and humid weather.
Address Moisture Sources:
- Fix Leaks: Leaky pipes, faucets, or vents can contribute to excess moisture. Repair these promptly to prevent further issues.
- Dry Clothes Properly: Avoid hanging wet clothes indoors. Use a clothes dryer or a drying rack outside whenever possible.
Reduce Household Moisture Production:
- Shorter Showers: Opt for shorter showers instead of long, steamy ones.
- Cover Pots and Pans: When cooking, keep pot and pan lids on to minimize moisture released into the air.
Targeted Solutions for Specific Areas
Here are some targeted proof solutions for specific areas:
How To Remove Humidity from A Basement:
Basements are particularly susceptible to moisture problems. To combat this, you can take a two-pronged approach: increase ventilation by opening basement windows on dry days and using a dehumidifier specifically designed for basements. Dehumidifiers will continuously remove excess moisture from the air, creating a drier and healthier environment.
How To Remove Humidity from Bathroom
Taming the steam in your bathroom is all about proper ventilation and moisture control. Turn on the exhaust fan during and after showering to expel humid air. After you’re finished, use a squeegee to remove excess water from walls and shower doors to prevent moisture build-up on surfaces. This simple one-two punch will significantly reduce humidity and help keep your bathroom feeling fresh and comfortable.
How To Remove Humidity from A Room
For quick results in a single room, improve ventilation by opening windows (weather permitting) or running a fan. Combine this with addressing moisture sources like wet clothes or houseplants. Consider using moisture-absorbing materials like baking soda or commercially available dehumidifying bags for a temporary boost.
How To Remove Humidity from an Apartment
Apartment living can pose humidity challenges. Address moisture sources like drying clothes indoors and steaming showers. Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans consistently. If possible, open windows for ventilation, and consider a dehumidifier for long-term moisture control.
Bonus Tips
- Indoor Plants: While plants add beauty to your home, some species can release moisture. Limit the number of plants in high-humidity areas.
- Desiccants: Scatter containers of moisture-absorbing materials like baking soda or rock salt around your home to help draw out excess moisture. However, these methods are less effective than dehumidifiers.
Advanced Strategies for Removing Humidity from Air
Here are some advanced strategies for removing humidity from the air
- Choosing the right size is important.
- Match the dehumidifier’s capacity to the targeted area.
- Consider room size and current humidity level.
- Position it centrally with good airflow.
- Regularly empty the water collection tank for optimal performance.
- While AC cools and dehumidifies, excessively cool settings can over-dehumidify.
- Address leaks in your roof to prevent moisture intrusion and humidity issues.
Conclusion:
By following these strategies, you can effectively control humidity levels in your home and create a healthy living environment. Remember, consistency is key!
Consider installing a vapour barrier in your crawlspace or basement to prevent moisture migration. Ensure adequate insulation, especially in attics and crawlspaces, to regulate temperature and prevent condensation on cold surfaces.
Implement these practices regularly to maintain optimal humidity levels and keep your home fresh and mold-free.