When is Condensation a Big Problem?

Excess moisture in your home may eventually cause problems. It may be time to take action if you notice the following signs in your house:

• Condensation remains on windows or doors throughout the day, even when the outside temperature has warmed up.
• Condensation is forming and running down the walls. It may also be causing discoloration, staining, peeling wallpaper, and blistering paint.
• The air smells musty or odors from everyday household activities linger too long; this could indicate mold, mildew, or, in the worst cases, rot. Odors increase in intensity with high relative humidity.

Mold, mildew, rot, and/or decay are visible. Mold and mildew thrive in moist areas and can cause health and house damage.

Reducing Condensation

1. Reduce Moisture Sources

• Stop or severely limit the use of humidifiers or adjust them to the appropriate setting.
• Run a dehumidifier, if needed.
• If you care for a lot of plants, group them in one sunny room and avoid over watering.
• Have your gas appliances checked. Malfunctioning gas appliances can deliver excessive water vapor into the air along with dangerous contaminants. Be sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm.
• Store firewood outside.
• Eliminate plumbing leaks.
• Don’t air dry clothes indoors.
• Correct grading and drainage problems around the exterior of your home.

2. Increase Ventilation

• Open a window or door for a few minutes each day, particularly after showering/bathing, laundry, and cooking. Heat loss will be minimal.
• Run kitchen, bathroom, and other fans longer and more often.
• Improve or add a ventilation system in your home through the attic, roof, and soffit venting. Ensure everything vents to the outside.
• Open blinds and drapes. Heavy window coverings restrict the flow of warm air over the interior glass surface.
• Operate ceiling fans to improve air circulation.

3. Increase Air Temperature

• Raise the temperature inside the house.
• Insulate under the seat and over the head of bay, bow, and garden windows to keep the window area warmer.
• Point warm air supply ducts toward windows and doors or use a fan for increased air circulation.