Moisture Problems
can Lead to
Air Quality Problems
When warm, moist air comes into
contact with a surface that is too cold, moisture
condenses. The water and frost that you see
collecting on windows is a visible example.
Condensation may also be collecting
in your attic and inside the exterior walls.
Over time, if the air in your house
is too humid, the result may be damage to the house
structure, your possessions and possibly your
health.
For your health and comfort, your
home should have an exchange of air between the
indoors and outdoors. Without the air exchange, your
home can accumulate moisture, mold can become a
problem and you can experience poor air quality.
The exchange of stale air with fresh
air reduces potential air quality problems.
What Causes Moisture and Air Problems in Your Home?
Condensation occurs on cold surfaces. It results from:
-
excessive moisture production:
-
ventilating with warm outdoor air during spring and
summer can cause lots of condensation in basements;
-
by evaporation from showers, washing dishes and
clothes, cooking, aquariums, standing water, people,
pets and plants;
-
from inappropriate use of humidifiers;
-
in damp basements;
-
from earth floor basements or crawlspaces.
-
inadequate ventilation with outdoor air:
-
air inside house is not exchanged with outdoor air
(in general outside air in cold weather will help
dry the air inside the house).
-
cold
surfaces due to:
-
inadequate heat or insufficient heat provided to
areas of the home (i.e. spare bedroom heat blocked
off if room isn’t used regularly, unheated
basement);
-
inadequate ventilation of interior and
attic spaces
-
wide swings in inside temperature (i.e. thermostat
setbacks, uneven heat distribution from use of wood
stoves, unheated room);
-
poor air circulation within a room due to
furnishings against exterior walls;
-
poor quality windows or heat blocked by blinds or
drapes;
-
poorly insulated walls and ceilings.
-
cool
basement surfaces in summer.
How Can You Fix the Problem?
-
Reduction of moisture is the first priority:
-
remove moisture sources;
-
reduce basement moisture entry;
-
discontinue use of humidifiers; and
-
use a dehumidifier in the basement during fall,
spring and summer.
-
Keeping surfaces warm is the second priority:
-
upgrade windows with energy-efficient ones;
-
keep walls and ceilings warm through adequate
insulation;
-
provide
adequate ventilation of interior and
attic spaces
-
provide sufficient heat to all indoor areas in your
home.
Adequate ventilation, good air circulation and maintaining
adequate heat throughout your home are important and
effective methods to help prevent moisture problems.
Protect Your House and Your Health
All Moist Stale Air Should Be Replaced with Fresh Air
at least Every
3 to 4 Hours.
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