Humidity in Homes

Importance of Humidity Level in Homes

The EPA recommends an ideal RH between 35% to 50%. Mold spores germinate in high moisture levels after 12 hours and can grow within 24 to 48 hours. conventional dehumidifiers

Humidity in the home that is too high or too low can cause problems for your health and for our home. Low relative humidity or extremely dry air causes the increase of cold and flu viruses. Too dry air can irritate and inflame your respiratory passages. It can also cause damage in your homes such as cracks on walls and ceilings, separate wood floors, shrink doors and window frames.

On the contrary, high relative humidity or damp and moist air airborne allergens such as mold spores, dust mites and bacteria thrive and multiply quickly. Home basements would clearly be at risk for mold and mildew growth, odors and structure damage, if the humidity is continuously in the high level. In order to maintain the RH ideal level, a specialized high capacity dehumidifier and/or ventilation system is typically required as most air conditioners andare not designed to consistently achieve dew points low enough to avoid condensation or high RH levels. 

High Relative Humidity in Homes Causes the Following:

Mold & Mildew: Molds are fungi. They only require high humidity and an organic-based material on which to feed. It is no surprise that they are plentiful in humid environments. Cooler surfaces create a perfect breeding area for mold because the relative humidity at the surface will be near 100%. The surface may even be wet with condensation. Mold growth leads to increased odours from off-gassing of mold spores.

Musty Odour. High humidity often penetrates organic materials causing smelly odors that cannot be removed without reducing and controlling relative humidity levels. Musty odors are typically a result of high humidity levels in the crawl space and basement. This polluted air below the house will eventually move to the rest of the house, carrying musty odors and other contaminates. Specifically, musty odors in your home come from the off-gassing of mold spores when they feed on organic materials. Solve the moisture problem and you will solve your mold problem.

Poor Air Quality. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, health problems associated with poor indoor air quality include eye irritation, allergies, headaches and respiratory problems such as asthma. These problems can be directly related to the presence of mold and dust mite infestation in the home. One of the recognized solutions to addressing these health issues is effective moisture control.

Discomfort: High relative humidity levels leave warm areas feeling sweaty and sticky, and colder areas feeling cold and damp. You will feel much hotter than the current temperature because your perspiration cannot evaporate into air already brimming with moisture.

Wood Rot. Wood rot in floor joists and support piers occurs when the moisture content is above the fiber saturation point, which is about 27-28% wood moisture content.

Infestation and Colonization. Humid environments are desirable breeding grounds for cockroaches, termites and other annoying pests.