How to Reduce Humidity in House in Winter
The winter months can be a joyous time of year, but when the air turns cold and dry oftentimes it’s accompanied by rising levels of humidity in our homes. From sticky walls to condensation on windows, uncontrolled humidity doesn’t just make us uncomfortable; it can also lead to a variety of issues like mold growth and warped furniture.
If you’re looking for some tips on how to reduce humidity in house in winter months, keep reading! Here we’ll discuss why controlling indoor humidity is important, how high relative humidity affects the body’s comfort level indoors, and what steps you can take to lower indoor relative humidity this winter.
Does Opening Windows Reduce Humidity in Winter?
Opening windows during winter can help reduce humidity in the house, however, it is not always a reliable solution. While bringing fresh air into the home can reduce humidity levels, this method may only be effective if outdoor temperatures are significantly lower than indoor temperatures – and even then, it may only provide limited relief. If outdoor temperatures are too close to indoor temperatures, opening windows will do little to nothing to decrease humidity.
When you open your windows during winter months to reduce humidity, make sure that any gaps around doors and window frames are sealed with weatherstripping or caulking. This will prevent cold air from entering your home and further lower the temperature indoors – which could potentially increase humidity levels instead of reducing them.
Additionally, use fans strategically to ensure that air is circulated outside the home once it enters. This will help draw out moisture and warm air that has built up inside your house, allowing fresh air to enter more effectively.
It’s important to note that you should only open windows during winter if outdoor temperatures are significantly lower than indoor temperatures, preferably no higher than 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler. If temperatures are too close, then opening windows won’t have much of an impact on reducing humidity levels.
And remember – when you do open windows, be sure to seal any gaps around doors and window frames with weatherstripping or caulking and use fans strategically to circulate air so humid air can escape. Ultimately, while opening windows can reduce humidity in the house, it’s not always a reliable solution and should only be done if certain conditions are met.
10 Methods How to Reduce Humidity in House in Winter
1. Use a Dehumidifier
One of the most effective ways to reduce humidity in your home is to use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which can help to reduce the amount of condensation on your walls and floors. Additionally, dehumidifiers can help to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home.
To get the most out of your dehumidifier, it is important to use one that is designed for the size of your space. Although dehumidifiers can be expensive, they are a great investment for keeping your home comfortable and healthy during the winter. Make sure to empty the water tank frequently and clean the filters regularly.
2. Ventilate Your Home
Another way to reduce humidity in your home is to ventilate it on a regular basis. This can be done by opening windows and doors or by using fans to circulate the air. Additionally, you can install an exhaust fan in your kitchen and bathroom to help remove moisture-laden air from these rooms. If you have a fireplace, keep the flue open when burning wood to allow any moisture outside instead of trapping it in your home.
Another option is to use a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of the air and reduce humidity levels. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the use and cleaning of the dehumidifier. In addition, it’s important to note that you should never completely close up your home during the winter.
3. Use an Air Conditioner
If you have an air conditioner, you can use it to help reduce humidity in your home. Air conditioners work by cooling the air, which can help to prevent condensation from forming on your walls and floors.
Additionally, air conditioners can help to remove musty odors from your home. To maximize the air conditioner’s effectiveness in reducing humidity, try to keep the temperature as low as possible without sacrificing comfort. While this may be more expensive in terms of energy costs, it will help to reduce the humidity levels in your home.
4. Reduce Indoor Activities
Another way to reduce humidity in your home is to reduce indoor activities that generate moisture. For example, cooking, showering, and doing laundry all generate moisture that can contribute to higher indoor humidity levels.
By reducing these activities, you can help to keep humidity levels under control. Additionally, if you have a humidifier in your home, make sure to turn it off when not in use. This will help to prevent the build-up of excess moisture in your home. Finally, avoid using candles and other open flames that can add to the humidity in your home.
5. Cover Your Plants
If you have plants in your home, make sure to cover them with plastic when watering them. This will help to prevent water from evaporating into the air and adding to the indoor humidity levels. Additionally, be sure to empty any saucers or pots that are underneath your plants after watering them so that they do not continue to release moisture into the air.
If possible, place your plants near a window or in an area with good air circulation to prevent them from contributing even more humidity to your home. To reduce the potential for mold growth, make sure to avoid placing any plants directly on carpets or upholstered furniture.
6. Inspect Your Home for Leaks
One of the most common causes of high indoor humidity levels is leaks in the home. These leaks can come from plumbing fixtures, windows, doors, or any other openings in the home. Be sure to inspect your home regularly for any leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible so that they do not contribute to higher indoor humidity levels.
Additionally, check to make sure that your roof is in good condition and not leaking. If you do find a leak, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible to reduce the chances of high humidity levels.
7. Use a Humidistat
A humidistat is a device that measures the amount of moisture in the air. By using a humidistat, you can monitor indoor humidity levels and take steps to reduce them if necessary. Additionally, some humidistats come with alarms that will sound if the indoor humidity level gets too high so that you can take action immediately.
You can buy a humidistat from most home improvement stores or online. If you’re unsure of how to use a humidistat, consult an expert for guidance. To get the most out of your humidistat, make sure to keep it well-maintained and regularly calibrate it. Doing so will help ensure that you are able to accurately monitor the indoor humidity levels and take action as needed.
8. Seal Your Home
Another way to reduce indoor humidity levels is to seal any cracks or openings in your home that allow outside air into it. These cracks and openings can be found around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures. By sealing these openings, you can help prevent outside air from entering your home and raise the indoor humidity level.
9. Fix Any Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes in the home can also cause high indoor humidity levels. Be sure to check all of your pipes for leaks, and if you find any, have them fixed as soon as possible. If the leak is too large to repair yourself, contact a plumber for assistance.
To further prevent any water damage, consider installing a water alarm to alert you of any leaks. While this won’t reduce the humidity levels directly, it will help to prevent them from getting worse.
10. Clean Your Gutters
Gutters that are clogged with leaves and debris can also contribute to high indoor humidity levels. Be sure to clean your gutters twice a year—preferably in the spring and fall—to help keep humidity levels low.
If you have low spots in your yard that collect standing water, consider installing gutter extensions to divert the water away from your house. This will help prevent moisture buildup near the foundation of your home.
Conclusion
Reducing the humidity levels in your home during the winter season is a key part of keeping your family safe and healthy. With proper ventilation, seals around windows, and dehumidification techniques such as using fans or setting up dehumidifiers, you can reduce the amount of moisture in the air significantly.
Taking these proactive steps will not only help you keep a more comfortable living space, but also help you save money on energy bills since excessive humidity can cause an increase in consumption. Knowing how to reduce humidity in house in winter can give you peace of mind that your family is breathing fresh and clean air, free from any unnecessary pollutants or allergens.
Elizabeth Davis
Elizabeth is a creative writer and digital editor based in the United States. She has a passion for the arts and crafts, which she developed from a young age. Elizabeth has always loved experimenting with new mediums and sharing her work with others. When she started blogging, she knew that DIYquickly would be the perfect platform to share her tutorials and tips. She's been writing for the blog from the beginning, and her readers love her helpful advice and easy-to-follow instructions. When she's not writing or editing, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
