Managing Humidity in your Suites
In October, it is normal for heaters to be turned on and humidity issues to arise. Because it is colder outside, people close their windows more frequently, and internal air circulation and ventilation are restricted. The interior faces of windows and outside walls get colder than usual during cold weather. Condensation can occur on window and door frames, as well as on wall surfaces, as a result of this.
Moisture is constantly discharged within your home – up to 10-50 litres each day – by ordinary household activities including cooking, showering, bathing, doing laundry, and dishwashing. Furthermore, you, your pets, indoor plants, and aquariums create or contribute to humidity (i.e. the relative amount of moisture in the air).
What are the trouble signs to look for?
- Water pooling and/or staining at windows or sliding doors sill.
- Water streaming down window and door frames or glazing.
- Wet carpets at bottom of full-height glass windows.
What should you do?
If you have a humidistat (i.e. a device that measures humidity) connected to your bathroom fan, keep it set to 50% or lower. This will draw moist air out of your suite.
If your suite does not have a humidistat, you can lower the humidity by:
- Opening the windows a small amount for several hours each day.
- Leaving the bathroom fan on for several hours a day when you are at home.
- Using the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking.
- Using the bathroom fan when showering.
- If you have an aquarium, put a cover on it.
- Reducing the number of potted plants in your suite and not overwatering.
- Ensuring that make-up air can flow into your suite from the corridor. There should be a small air gap below the entry door.
- Opening drapes and blinds at least a few hours a day.
- Not placing boxes against exterior walls or windows.
- Ensuring that furniture is not covering heaters.
By following the above steps, you will be able to manage the humidity in your suite and maintain a comfortable, healthy living environment.
