Many homeowners who live in parts of the country where winters are severe find that they have problems with moisture in their homes as a result of the cold weather. When the moisture in the air comes in contact with cold surfaces in the home such as walls or windows, the moisture will condense and turn to droplets of water. Winter moisture can damage surfaces and lead to the growth of mold. Here are some best practices and tips in order to prevent that from happening.
Use a Dehumidifier in WinterFortunately, there are several things a homeowner can do to reduce the risk of moisture condensation on cold surfaces in the home. Here are some home improvement tips to reduce the likelihood of winter moisture condensation. One important way to reduce the buildup of moisture is to reduce the relative humidity of the air by using a dehumidifier.During winter months, the relative humidity in the home should be approximately 35%. A dehumidifier will remove excess moisture from the air which means there will be less winter moisture to form condensation on walls and other surfaces.
Improve Air CirculationThe presence of closed drapes and furniture that is placed too close to walls can cause moisture in the air to condense on the windows and walls. By leaving the drapes open and by moving furniture a few inches away from walls, air circulation in the room will be improved and it will be less likely that moisture will condense on cold surfaces.
Use an Extra Layer of ProtectionIf the windows in your home are of the single-pane type, they can get so cold that moisture in the air will immediately start to form droplets on the window at 30 degrees when the relative humidity is 35%. By putting on an extra layer of glass, you will create a barrier against the cold temperatures. This extra layer of glass can be a storm window or a thermal window. With a double-paned window, moisture will not condense on the glass until the temperature goes below zero. If you have a window with three panes of glass, the moisture will not condense until the temperature outside is 40 degrees below. If you are not able to afford double-pane windows, you can still get some protection by using a plastic covering taped over the windows.
Use Those Fans!If a home is sealed very well against the outside elements, there is a potential for moisture to build up inside from activities such as taking baths, showers, or cooking. A bathroom fan and kitchen fan can be used to exhaust moist air outside so it will not cause condensation on the walls of the home. While this might up your energy cost, the alternative could be finding that come spring, a soggy patch of green ends up growing on your wall, costing you even more in the future.