Tehama Country Real Estate

Finding the right moisture balance in a home can be challenging. Too little moisture and a home can be plagued by static electricity and interior spaces that can feel dry and un - comfortable. But too much moisture in a home may make it susceptible to mold, mildew and insect infestations. Moisture also can rot wood and cause unsightly stains on walls and ceilings. Maintaining humidity in the optimal indoor range helps to keep the home safe, reduce en - ergy consumption and keep a home's occu- pants healthy. Damp conditions can lead to the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria and may exacerbate people's asthma and allergies. e ideal relative humidity range of a home should be between 40 to 50, according to heat- ing and cooling experts and the Environmental Prevention Agency. Humidity should be even lower in the winter to prevent condensation on windows and other surfaces. Lower relative hu - midity also reduces the out-gassing of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Measure humidity with a hygrometer to get an accurate assessment. If the humidity levels fall above or below the desired range, action should be taken. Homeowners dealing with excessive moisture can try these remedies. • Ventilate areas of the home. Ventilation can be the first step to reducing indoor humidity. Target the areas that create the most moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Turn on vent - ing fans to remove moist air from the bathroom during showers and baths. Exhaust hoods can control humidity from cooking in the kitchen. When possible, open windows on dry days to help air out damp spaces. • Rely on fans. Use fans to circulate the air and prevent moist air from pooling in certain loca- tions. Fans also will help increase ventilation. • Keep gutters and downspouts clean. Prevent water from pooling around the foundation of a home and infiltrating the basement or crawl- space. Direct gutter water further away from the house if possible, and keep gutters free of ob- structions. • Service HVAC systems regularly. Routine inspections of heating and cooling systems can identify any problems, such as clogged air-con- ditioning drain lines or faulty operation, that can contribute to moisture problems. • Beef up insulation. Insulate cold water pipes and look into insulated toilet tanks that will help eliminate condensation issues. Sealing out moisture in a basement or crawlspace also can help. Vapor barriers can eliminate a great deal of moisture coming into the home. • Address any plumbing leaks. Make sure you trace possible leaks to their sources and have them repaired. Constantly dripping water can add to humidity levels and create other prob- lems. • Use a dehumidifier. If all other efforts have been tried, a dehumidifier unit can help remove excess moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers are particularly helpful in basements where mois- ture can collect. Controlling moisture in a home results in a saf- er and healthier space. C o p e Wi t h HOW TO C o n d e n s a t i o n a n d o t h e r h o m e m o i s t u r e i s s u e s

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