The humidity in your home is simply a way to express how much moisture is in the air compared to its maximum capacity. In warmer temperatures, the air can hold more water. So when you turn up the heat in your home, the air can maintain more humidity than when it is cooler. Things that can impact the moisture in your home include drying laundry, boiling a pot of water, or taking a hot shower. By increasing the ventilation in the space where these activities occur, you typically cool the room and decrease the humidity, which can be essential to avoid damage due to high humidity.
THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE FROM HIGH HUMIDITY
Mold And Mildew: Humidity in excess of 60% is considered high and can begin to cause several costly issues in your home. One of the most concerning issues is the growth of mold and mildew. These are microscopic fungi that need moisture to grow. You might notice mildew as a grey or white patch on a shower, tub, or shower curtain in a constantly damp or moist bathroom. Mold is more colorful and can appear as red, black, or green splotches. The mold is more aggressive and will penetrate deep into the material and cause significantly more damage to the surface. But the biggest concern is that mold often triggers asthma or other allergic reactions in humans and pets.
Damage To Finish Surfaces: Paint and wallpaper are also subject to damage from high humidity. You could notice peeling or flaking paint or wallpaper peeling or bubbling due to the increased moisture in the air. When you encounter these issues in your home, it is essential to correct the moisture issue before fixing the damage to the finishes.
Wood Damage: All of the wooden items in your home, from flooring to doors and cabinetry, can be damaged by too much moisture. Dampness can cause the wood to swell and begin to rot. Floors that are heaved or bulging, doors that do not close properly, and decaying furniture are all indications that the air is too humid. Without fast action, the wood items in your home can be ruined and will need to be replaced when the moisture issue is corrected.
CORRECTING HIGH HUMIDITY
Proper ventilation is essential for decreasing humidity. Cooler air will contain less moisture and reduce humidity. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the air inside your home. Be conscious of activities that add moisture to the air, like boiling water, hot showers, and drying laundry. Using a ventilation fan or hood is critical when these activities add a lot of moisture to the air.
Air conditioning systems are also another ideal way to cool the air and reduce the level of humidity. Call 952-208-4570 to speak to the experts at Blue Ox Heating And Air about ways to control the humidity in your home, including an AC installation or using the fan on your HVAC system to control humidity in your Apple Valley or Champlin home.
