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Humidity and Comfort Don't Mix

>> The level of humidity in your home can make a big difference in your level of comfort. There are steps you can take to control humidity and possibly even lower your energy costs. (60218-01)

To measure humidity, visit your local hardware or building supply store and buy a relative humidity sensor, or hygrometer. Signs of excess interior humidity include: condensation on windows and walls, musty odor, mildew, mold, ceiling stains, peeling paint or wallpaper, rotting sills, damp floors and white, powdery stains on concrete walls or floors. Exterior signs of an abundance of humidity are bulging or rotting siding on the homes exterior, dark stains on the siding and flaking paint or mildew on wood surfaces in the attic.
 To reduce humidity:
 
     Avoid air drying clothes in the house. 
 
     If you have a basement, install a dehumidifier. 

     If you have a crawl space, under your home, cover the earth floor with .15-mm (6-mil)  
     polyethylene sheeting. 
     
     You may have to vent the crawl space in the summer.
 
     Spout gutters away from the house to prevent water from settling near the foundation.

     Consider spot ventilation. An exhaust fan installed over the stove and used when cooking will 
     remove moisture fast. Use exhaust fans in the bathrooms, especially while showering.
 
     Air conditioners should reduce humidity to between 50 and 70 percent relative humidity, but 
     only if properly sized.

     For more information on HVAC sizing, visit our Website: www.tri-countyemc.com. <<