{"id":1640,"date":"2019-05-27T11:49:59","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T11:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drduct.net\/?p=1640"},"modified":"2019-05-27T11:49:59","modified_gmt":"2019-05-27T11:49:59","slug":"improve-comfort-preventing-moisture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drduct.net\/improve-comfort-preventing-moisture\/","title":{"rendered":"Humidity in your Home: Improve Comfort by Preventing Excess Moisture"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As the days grow longer, it\u2019s the humidity rather than the heat that can become problematic. Moisture in your home can disturb your sleep while exacerbating allergies and structural damage. Since warm air contains more water than cool air, the warmer months can often be the wetter months.<\/p>\n
How Humid Should My Home Be?<\/i><\/p>\n
Experts recommend that a home should never exceed 60% relative humidity, with a goal within 30-50%. Above 50%, studies have shown an increase in mould growth and bacteria. While dehumidifiers will read the moisture levels in a particular room, a hygrometer will monitor it throughout your home. These devices are available in hardware stores.<\/p>\n
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Some characteristics of your space may raise humidity levels in minimal, acceptable ways, such as potted plant life. Even breathing can raise humidity levels in your home! The more occupants a home has, the bigger the challenge will be of maintaining comfort levels. It\u2019s also affected by geographic location: warmer, tropical climates are more humid. Any home near abundant surface water will have a higher humidity level, thanks to the evaporation process. Regions with higher rainfall are also more problematic in this regard.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be equipped with central air conditioning or a heat recovery ventilator, you’ll be off to a great start (provided you have these systems serviced regularly<\/a>). However, there are additional steps you can take when things heat up, all of which will be especially valuable to homeowners without<\/i> air conditioning.<\/p>\n With humidity, some seasonal risk factors are unavoidable; luckily, a few simple actions go a long way towards keeping you cool and comfortable this summer. Follow these essential steps if you want to improve comfort by preventing excess moisture.<\/p>\n As with your air exchange system, vents should be professionally cleaned<\/a> regularly. Keeping them free of blockages will increase airflow while saving on hydro costs since a malfunctioning system requires more energy. Lastly, remember to turn your vents on. When the shower or stove is in use, it\u2019s vital that hot, wet air be removed from the area. No vent can do its job if it\u2019s not correctly utilized.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n When possible, air-dry clothes outside. If you don\u2019t have an accessible outdoor area, at the very least position drying racks in easily ventilated areas, or beside an open window with consistent airflow.<\/p>\n If rain finds its way through your roof<\/a>, wood and plaster will absorb water, and the air in your home will take on moisture. Regular inspection and diligent maintenance go a long way towards preventing problems. Heading off humidity before it gets out of control will save you money while reducing stress for your family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Use a dehumidifier – <\/b>There are several types of dehumidifier on the market<\/a>, in a variety of unit sizes. Which one you select depends on how quiet you need it to be, how large your space is, whether the machine needs to be portable, and whether you need year-round dehumidification. Consult with an expert to select the right unit for your area.<\/p>\n For ultimate comfort (or especially humid climates), a central humidification system will reliably manage moisture levels year-round. While installing this kind of system may initially seem less cost-efficient, you will save money down the road by avoiding damage and complications from excess moisture.<\/p>\n If optimal moisture levels are exceeded, it\u2019s not only personal comfort that will be compromised. Excess humidity, if not dealt with, can do lasting damage to your home as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Out-of-control humidity is detrimental to your home and your health. No matter what your current system is, small changes in your daily habits will help you sleep better, knowing you\u2019ve got humidity under control.<\/p>\n If you have questions about how expert cleaning services can improve ventilation<\/strong>, call Dr Duct at (613) 845-0707. At Dr Duct, we work with residents of the Ottawa area to make sure that summer heat and humidity don\u2019t get in the way of summer fun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the days grow longer, it\u2019s the humidity rather than […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":1645,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nKey Ways to Reduce Humidity<\/h2>\n
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Common Humidity-Related Problems<\/h2>\n
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