Controling Humidity

Building a new home traps moisture, necessitating careful humidity control, especially within the first year. High moisture levels can be expected initially, but with proper techniques, you should be able to keep it under control. Controlling indoor humidity is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment and preventing potential damage to your home. 

Where Does the Humidity Come From?

Imagine your home started as a load of lumber, concrete, sheetrock, trim, and doors, with little protection from the weather. These components gather moisture in varying degrees before they are used in the construction of your new home. All the items are assembled in a few months and eventually closed in. The very process of building a new home naturally traps moisture within the structure and generally will not dry out until after the first heating season. This is why it is particularly important to dehumidify your home the first year you occupy it. In addition to the humidity that comes from building a new home, there's humidity that every home, regardless of age, generates. Humidity is generated through activities like cooking, using sinks and dishwashers, showers, baths, hot tubs, laundry, and just simply living in the home. The more people in your household, the more humidity is generated. Having aquariums and house plants can contribute to moisture and basements can channel dampness from the ground.

Potential Damage Due to Excess Humidity:

Uncontrolled humidity can cause damage to your home. Dripping condensation and excess moisture can damage your home and may result in window frames and sashes that can warp and become difficult to operate. Paint can peel and finishes can become stained. Insulation from ice in the attic can become damp; damaging ceilings and walls. Exterior siding and finishes can become blistered and warped. Interior floors can become blistered and warped. With any excess moisture, interior surfaces can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew. 

Controlling Indoor Humidity:

1. Increase Ventilation:
   • Ensure good ventilation in high-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.
   • Run a dehumidifier in the basement regularly.
   • Open windows in high-humidity areas.
   • Run kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans longer and more often.
   • Open fireplace damper and windows for better air circulation.
2. Dryer Usage:
   • Use the dryer for laundry instead of hanging clothes to dry indoors.
   • Ensure the dryer vent is properly attached and functioning.
3. Avoid Humidifiers (Initially):
   • Refrain from using any type of humidifier in the first twelve months of living in your new home.
4. General Tips:
   • Open drapes and blinds to allow warm air circulation against windows.
   • Reduce indoor house plants.
   • Heat your home adequately to introduce dry air into your home.

Monitoring Humidity:

Aim to maintain humidity below recommended levels to avoid condensation and moisture issues. Reference the humidity chart based on outdoor and indoor temperatures. Purchasing an indoor relative humidity/temperature gauge is a small investment that can help protect your home from humidity damage.

Using the provided tips and guidelines to control humidity levels with help maintain optimal indoor humidity, prevent damage to your home, and ensure a comfortable living environment.