How do you tell if humidity is too high in winter?

Signs of High Humidity Levels in a Home Condensation forms on windows when temperatures drop. The home feels muggy, clammy or sticky. The home has a musty odor. You or a family member experience allergy symptoms while inside the home. More items...

aaaheatingandcoolinginc.com - Keep Humidity out of Your Home In the Winter - AAA Heating & Cooling

Is blown-in insulation better than rolls?

Overall, blown insulation will be easier on you. If you're proficient with the machine required to distribute it, that's even better. You can get...

Last updated Feb 10, 2021

Should shed walls be 16 or 24 on Center?

Studs spaced at 16-inches make for a sturdier shed, but the 24-inch spacing is more cost-efficient. As the difference between 16 and 24 is roughly...

Last updated May 26, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Keep Humidity out of Your Home In the Winter

When the winter months arrive, you might notice seasonal changes in your home such as condensation forming on the windows. Unlike other areas of the country, the Pacific Northwest tends to become more humid during the winter due to our famously wet weather. By knowing how humid your home is and how to control it, you’ll keep your home and family healthy and keep the air inside healthy.

Ideal Winter Indoor Humidity Levels

The ideal relative indoor humidity level for a home in the winter is between 30 and 40 percent. As a result, heating Portland homes becomes an important task to keep homeowners healthy. Humidity levels below 30 percent will make your home feel uncomfortable and can cause wood items to dry. Relative humidity levels of higher than 50 percent promote mold growth, dust mite infestations, rot, corrosion, and water stains.

Signs of High Humidity Levels in a Home

Condensation forms on windows when temperatures drop

The home feels muggy, clammy or sticky

The home has a musty odor

You or a family member experience allergy symptoms while inside the home

Mold begins to grow on windows, around pipes, in the corners of walls, on the ceiling, or in the bathroom

Water stains on walls or ceilings

How to Reduce Humidity Levels in Your Home during the Winter

The first step in reducing winter humidity levels in your home is to identify the source of the moisture. Knowing why your home is overly humid will allow you to have a targeted approach to resolving the issue. Excess moisture may result from:

Poor or improper ventilation

Not using exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathroom

A leaky roof

A damp basement

Too many water-loving houseplants

An HVAC system that is not the correct size or needs repairs

The clothes dryer failing to vent outside the home

Storing freshly cut wood inside the home

Once you’ve identified where excess moisture is coming from it’s time to look for ways to reduce moisture build up. While there are a number of natural ways to reduce humidity levels, there are also a number of steps you can take around your home to decrease moisture build up.

Turn up the heat

Can you put a thin layer of concrete over existing concrete?

How thin can you pour concrete over concrete? Your new layer needs to be at least 2 inches thick. If it's any thinner than that, it'll easily crack...

Last updated Jun 11, 2019

Will building materials go down in 2022?

Since the pandemic, lumber prices have skyrocketed to record highs, adding to new-home construction costs. But prices are now coming down. Lumber...

Last updated Oct 1, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Heating Portland homes in the winter helps keep excess moisture at bay. Because warm air holds moisture, your home should not be overly humid to begin with or you’ll turn it into a sauna, which will only compound the problem. Use dry heat and ensure adequate airflow when warming your home.

Use a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers dry water out of the air, speeding up the natural evaporation process. The units come in a variety of sizes. They’re available as portable units that you can move from room to room and as fixed appliances that are part of an HVAC system. Dehumidifiers are particularly useful in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms and other areas that have high humidity levels.A good type of dehumidifier to use is one with a built-in humidistat. A humidistat is similar to a thermostat, but it measures relative humidity levels in the area and signals a humidifier to turn on or off accordingly. Use a hygrometer to learn if a space is too humid or dry before purchasing equipment.

Proper drainage

Keep your gutters and downspouts clear. Verify that the downspouts and landscaping direct water away from your home.

Insulate your pipes

Exposed pipes inside your home may sweat. Insulate them to prevent sweating and to protect them from the cold weather.

Upgrade your windows

High-efficiency windows, such as double pane windows or those with an insulating film reduce energy exchanges during the winter, so they’re less likely to fog-up. Similarly, ensure the weather stripping and caulking around windows is in good shape.

Prepare Your Home For Winter With AAA Heating and Cooling

A home is a large investment and maintaining it will reduce costly repairs and prolong its life. AAA Heating and Cooling, offers over 50 years of exceptional service. Check out our dehumidifier and humidifier options for homes to ensure a healthy and comfortable living environment and contact our team today to schedule a consultation.

Photo by Sthetic via CC License

aaaheatingandcoolinginc.com - Keep Humidity out of Your Home In the Winter - AAA Heating & Cooling

Are wooden doors more secure than uPVC?

A solid timber door will be stronger, more secure and more thermally efficient than a uPVC front door.

Last updated Jul 15, 2021

What day of the week are you most likely to be burgled?

The likelihood of falling victim to burglary varies not only by month but also, would you believe it, by day of the week! According to cooperative...

Last updated May 15, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can Neighbours stop planning permission?

Planning permission can be refused if your neighbour's extension is deemed to cause an adverse impact on your home. They may also be asked to amend...

Last updated May 19, 2020

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

How do you set up the ground for a shed?

Pour the gravel into the shed area and create a smooth surface using a hand tamper. Use a spirit level on the top layer to see if it is level....

Last updated Jul 21, 2019