There’s nothing as soothing as hearing pouring rain and seeping on a warm cup of tea at home. However, many weather conditions, such as rain and changes in seasons, can often lead to a sudden spike in moisture. Although there’s nothing wrong with a bit of moisture in the air, too much moisture can cause the rise of humidity.
Most homeowners are pretty keen on the humidity levels inside their homes. Humidity is an important indicator that you need to start maintaining and repairing different parts of your home. At the same time, too much humidity can also cause health problems. In some instances, this can lead to water damage on your home’s supporting structures and wear down the integrity of your home.
There’s no one main cause of moisture. This can be caused by roofing leaks, poor plumbing, environmental factors, and soil that retains too much humidity. So what are some ways of lowering your home’s humidity levels? What makes it a concern in the first place? Here are some practical ways of keeping your home in pristine condition.
Make Key Renovations
One of the most effective ways of lowering the overall humidity of your home is by making key renovations. This is especially important when you’re still in the planning phase and outlining different aspects of your home.
The best way of lowering moisture is by preventing it in the first place. Many construction experts would suggest focusing on your home’s roofing, your gutter system, and your home’s insulation. When you’re emphasizing these aspects, this can help cut down on energy spending and maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Your roof is the first line of defense against leaks and water damage, which is also a common cause of moisture problems. Keeping your roof in a well-maintained condition can help mitigate water leaks and extend the lifespan of your home.
Other crucial factors that should never be overlooked are your gutter and drainage systems. Although roofs are designed to remove water, gutters and downspouts are integral in redirecting water off your roof and into storm drains where water can’t cause further structural damage.
However, gutters are quite vulnerable to clogging from debris and cracks. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far for experts in this situation since professional gutter cleaning services can help keep your roofing and much of your home in pristine condition.
Strategically Place Plants Inside Your Home
Another natural way of lowering moisture inside your home without having to spend too much is by strategically placing plants around your home. Compared to having to spend thousands of dollars on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, placing plants close to areas with a high amount of humidity can help absorb moisture. At the same time, this can also help purify the air.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some plans are also sensitive to different types of environments. While there are plants that can thrive in moist environments, some plants are sensitive to minute changes in temperature and might not thrive indoors.
Recent research has suggested that having a balance of light, water, humidity, and temperature is an excellent way of keeping your plants healthy. Most of the time, tropical plants native to thick vegetation are great indoor plants since they need little to no maintenance, won’t necessarily need too much sunlight, and retain a good amount of moisture.
Have Outtake Vents in Place
One other effective way of lowering your home’s humidity levels is by having outtake vents in different places of your home. Outtake vents are specifically designed to remove excess moisture and humidity from other parts of your home, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. At the same time, this is an excellent way of removing any obnoxious odors that can cause problems to the respiratory system.
What makes outtake fans so important? Many HVAC experts would say that once your home’s internal humidity levels reach around 55%, this can cause fungi and disease-causing microbes to grow unchecked.
When taking a hot shower or cooking, running an exhaust fan can significantly remove moisture in the room and prevent mold growth and mildew growth. If you’re not sure how to install your exhaust fan, you might want to consider getting professional help.
Although it might not seem like a fundamental matter to attend to at the moment, lowering your home’s humidity and ensuring that a balance of moisture is in the air can keep occupants comfortable. Not only can controlling your home’s humidity mitigate health risks, but this is also a guaranteed way of extending your home’s lifespan. Too much humidity can lead to structural problems and compromise your home’s support beams if not addressed.
