Northeast Property Restoration

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The Damage of Indoor Humidity

The Damage of Indoor Humidity |  Levels of humidity that are too high or too low can cause damage to your home, create health problems, and could increase your monthly energy bill. 

At Northeast Property Restoration we provide free moisture and mold inspections to all homeowners. During many of these inspections we find that humidity is the number one factor in causing these issues.  

In the post below we discuss the problems caused by high and low humidity levels as well as several ways on how to maintain ideal indoor humidity. What is the ideal indoor humidity level you may ask? In general, a relative humidity level between 30-50 percent is ideal to prevent issues. 

Don't Turn on the Heat just Yet!

When humidity levels are high that means there is too much moisture in your home.

  • Excess moisture creates a perfect environment for the growth of mold. 
  • Mold causes issues with your indoor air quality, your health, and can damage the structure of your home.

2) Increased Energy Bill

High humidity indoors causes the home to feel muggy. Condensation may be visible on windows and/or walls.

This then causes you to turn up the air conditioning thus increasing your energy bill.

Don't Turn on the Heat just Yet!

1) Structural Damage

Low indoor relative humidity levels can cause:

  • Damage to wood and other building materials
  • Damage to Furniture
  • Cracks and damage can to flooring, trim, and framing

2) Health Issues

sick-air-home

When indoor air is too dry it can:

  • Worsen symptoms for those with asthma and allergies
  • Cause cold & flu to spread rapidly
  • Cause sinus infections
  • Cause dry skins, dry nose, and cracked lips

How to Maintain Ideal Relative Humidity

1) Purchase a Digital Humidity and Temperature Monitor

Digital Humidity and Temperature Monitors have a indoor humidity gauge and thermometer.

The monitor displays current humidity, temperature, and daily high & low readings.

damage of indoor humidity

2) Install a Dehumidifier

The best way to maintain ideal indoor humidity is to get a dehumidifier.

You can purchase a dehumidifier from a store or you can have one professionally installed. The most common area for a dehumidifier is a basement or crawlspace. 

3) Use Ventilation Fans

When you shower or cook on the stove use your ventilation fan. If you do not have any you can get them installed or open a window.

Keep the fans on longer after your done showering or cooking. This will be a big help in reducing indoor humidity.

the damage of indoor humidity

4) Maintain Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner reduces indoor humidity by introducing cooler air while removing warmer, humid air.

Call a professional to maintain your air conditioner and frequently change the filter.  

5) Move Your House Plants

Plants can release moisture. If your home has a lot of indoor plants this could cause an increase in your homes humidity level. 

Move some plants outside or into a well ventilated room.

6) Open a Window

windows-home-air

Opening your window will help lower your humidity levels.

However, you don’t want to do this too much, especially when your air conditioner is running. This then can increase your energy bill. 

Also opening a window could bring in unwanted humid outside air and moisture. 

Ideal Relative Humidity

At NEPR we provide mold and moisture inspections for homeowners. During these inspections we find that these problems derive from humidity issues. 

If you are concerned about humidity issues in your home, take the steps above to maintain ideal indoor humidity levels. For more information or to talk with a professional give us a call! We are here to help and answer any questions you may have.

Service Area:

Broome County, Tioga County, Tompkins County, Cortland County, Susquehanna County, Lakawanna County, Chenango County and more!

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