Control Humidity in Your Home : Your online pharmacy selection

What is humidity and how does it affect your home?

Humidity refers to the presence of water vapor in the air. In a home, a balanced level of humidity is crucial to ensuring comfort and maintaining the building's structure in good condition. Excess humidity can cause significant damage, such as mold formation, deterioration of building materials and an increase in allergens.

How do you measure humidity in your home?

To measure humidity, use a hygrometer, a device that can give you an accurate reading of the relative humidity in the air. It's recommended to keep indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50% for optimum comfort and to prevent health problems.

What are the common causes of excessive humidity in the home?

The main sources ofexcessive humidity include :

• Cooking and the use of steam-generating appliances.
• Showers and baths without adequate ventilation.
• Water infiltration from leaks or insulation problems.
• Condensation, especially on windows and cold walls during the winter months.

What are the signs of a moisture problem?

Warning signs include :

• Condensation on windows
• Mold stains on walls, ceilings or joints
• Musty odors indicating the presence of mold or mildew
• Peeling paint or wallpaper

How can you control humidity in your home?

To control humidity, here are some effective strategies:

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce excessive humidity, especially in areas such as basements.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
• Repair leaks and improveinsulation to prevent water infiltration.
• Ventilate your home regularly to renew the air and reduce humidity levels.

What devices can be installed to manage humidity?

The following devices can be installed for optimum humidity management:

• Dehumidifiers
• Extraction fans
• Heat recovery ventilators (HRV)
• Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) systems to ensure constant, controlled air renewal.

Which building materials are most likely to be affected by humidity?

Materials such as wood, plaster and certain types of insulation are particularly vulnerable to moisture. Wood can swell, warp or rot when exposed to prolonged moisture. Plaster can deteriorate, and some insulations can lose their thermal efficiency if they absorb water. To prevent these problems, it's essential to choose moisture-resistant materials and make sure your home is properly insulated and ventilated.

How does humidity affect indoor air quality?

Excessive humidity can degrade indoor air quality by encouraging the growth of mold and bacteria, which are sources of allergens and harmful volatile organic compounds. What's more, air that's too humid can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms. Maintaining the right level of humidity helps to create a healthier indoor environment and reduce the risk of respiratory problems.

What's the difference between a dehumidifier and a moisture absorber?

A dehumidifier is an electrical device that actively removes moisture from the air and collects it in a reservoir or drains it through a system. It is effective for controlling humidity in large areas or in very humid conditions. A moisture absorber, on the other hand, uses desiccant materials to absorb moisture from the air. This is a more passive solution and is generally used in smaller or less humid spaces, such as closets or drawers.

What are the benefits of maintaining the right level of humidity?

Maintaining an appropriate humidity level offers a number of advantages:

• Protection of building structure and materials against water damage.
• Reducing the presence of pests such as dust mites and certain insect species that prefer damp environments.
• Improved overall comfort by stabilizing interior temperature and reducing the feeling of heaviness in the air.
• Prevention of health problems linked to excessively dry or humid air, such as skin and respiratory tract irritations.

How can humidity management be integrated into the design of a new home?

When designing a new home, it's crucial to incorporate moisture management strategies to avoid future problems. This includes:

• Installing adequate mechanical ventilation systems in high-humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Using moisture-resistant materials for foundations, walls and floors.
• The installation of vapour barriers to limit moisture penetration through the building envelope.
• The orientation and design of the house to maximize natural light and air circulation, thus reducing shady and damp areas.