
When is Condensation a Big Problem?
February 9, 2018
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.