If you’re dealing with high humidity in your home, you probably want to fix the problem right away, as high humidity levels make for an extremely uncomfortable living environment. But discomfort isn’t the only thing you have to worry about—high indoor humidity can also cause problems like mold in your home, which can make your family sick.
Before you can solve your home’s humidity problem, however, you need to find out what’s causing it.
What Causes Indoor Humidity?
Some of the most common causes of high indoor humidity levels in a home include:
Air Leaks
Very few homes are truly air-tight. Most are full of small gaps and cracks called air leaks, which allow moisture-heavy outside air to flow freely into your home, raising indoor humidity levels. Air leaks are frequently found in your attic, which is why attic humidity levels tend to be so high.
Ineffective Insulation
If your home is full of air leaks, the moisture-heavy air coming in will damage your insulation by getting it wet. This can render your insulation ineffective, increase moisture and humidity levels in your home, and cause mold to grow.
Basement Moisture Intrusion
Foundation cracks, grading problems, and basement air leaks can all cause excess moisture to collect inside your basement and raise humidity levels throughout your home. Solving wet basement and crawlspace issues can be a highly effective way to reduce humidity.
Occupant Habits
Certain habits like taking long, hot showers and forgetting to turn on the kitchen fan while cooking can cause humidity levels to rise in your home.
How to Get Rid of Humidity
There are a few different ways to address high indoor humidity, including:
1. Air sealing – Sealing up air leaks will stop humid outside air from entering your home.
2. Insulation upgrades – Replacing wet, damaged basement and attic insulation can help improve humidity and mold problems.
3. Basement and crawlspace waterproofing – Basement and crawlspace insulation, vapor barriers, sump pumps, and other waterproofing solutions can all help control indoor moisture.
4. Dehumidifiers – Installing a dehumidifier will actively reduce excess humidity.
5. Lifestyle changes – Making minor lifestyle changes, like taking cooler showers, can help keep indoor humidity levels low.
Get Help with Humidity Control in Your Vermont or New Hampshire Home
Dealing with summer humidity while you’re outside is bad enough—you shouldn’t have to worry about high humidity in your home too. Take the first step toward a solution today by getting in touch with Vermont Foam Insulation, Vermont and New Hampshire’s premier insulation contractor. We’ve been helping our customers improve their homes’ health and comfort since 2006, and you can count on our expert team to solve your indoor humidity problem once and for all.
