Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants. Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows.
How long will it take to get the moisture under control? As long as the dehumidifier you choose is large enough for the area it is working in, and there are no specific damp problems, then a dehumidifier will normally reduce the humidity to the chosen level within a few days to a week.
If the levels are off, whether too high or too low, you face structural damage to your home as well as potential health issues. Comfortable levels of humidity range between 30% and 60%, however, the ideal humidity level, according to ASHRAE, is between 45% and 55%. Anything above 55% is considered to be high.
Do you feel like you're never comfortable at home, even though the AC reaches the set temperature? Your home's humidity level may be too high. A home should have a relative humidity of 30% to 60%. Above 60% and you have what's considered “high” humidity.
If solving your moisture problem is something you'd like to do inexpensively, rock salt may be your answer. Because rock salt is hygroscopic it absorbs moisture from the air. If your plan is to get rid of the humidity in a damp basement, start with a 50-pound bag of sodium chloride to make your rock salt dehumidifier.
Turn on the ceiling fans. Keeping the air moving is an essential part of keeping excessive moisture away. Using ceiling fans, pedestal fans and other air-moving appliances can make a big difference and suck excess moisture out of the indoor air. Check the exhaust fans in your attic, kitchen and bathroom.
Humidity can also come up through the soil, especially if your house is near a lake or river. And excess moisture from cooking, bathrooms, appliances, and showers can also raise the moisture levels in your home.
High humidity can cause problems in your home if relative humidity regularly exceeds 60%. When the air contains water vapor above that level, mold and mildew start to grow, while excess moisture can cause rot, damaging your belongings.
According to a report in Environmental Health Perspectives, published by the National Institute of Health, too much humidity leads to higher levels of dust mites and fungi, two of the worst culprits for indoor allergy sufferers. Mold and fungi are known to exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Rising damp is less likely to occur on or around your windows as damp will only rise to approximately 1 metre above the ground. While damp cannot be reduced by opening windows, it can help to reduce the humidity levels in your property to make sure that condensation is not a common occurrence.
The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is somewhere between 30-50% humidity, according to the Mayo Clinic.
High humidity levels: the perfect conditions for mold
Mold can cause breathing problems, skin irritations and a variety of other health concerns. Leaving your AC fan set to ON allows the moisture in your home to accumulate and reach mold-growing levels of humidity.
Essentially, heaters cause much lower levels of relative humidity. This makes the air seem uncomfortably dry especially if your heater is cranked up super high. Using a humidifier to add extra moisture to the warmed air allows relative humidity levels to go back to a more comfortable level.
Oversized or undersized unit: If your air conditioning system is too large or too small for your space, it may not be able to remove humidity effectively. An oversized AC unit will cool the air too quickly, leaving moisture behind. An undersized AC unit will not be able to cool the air adequately to remove moisture.
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the indoor air and help in keeping it dry. A dehumidifier might relieve asthma or allergy symptoms and make breathing more effortless if you or a family member have these medical conditions.
Rock salt is another great (and cheap) option for removing moisture from the air. To make a no frills rock salt dehumidifier, you're going to need rock salt and two buckets. Pop some holes in the first bucket and place it inside your second bucket.
An indoor humidity level is too high when it's above 50%. At this level, your home is susceptible to increased dust mite infestations, as well as mildew, mold growth, and other bacteria. This can cause serious health issues for those who breathe in mold spores or are exposed to bacteria for long periods of time.
If there are no cold-condensing surfaces and the relative humidity (RH) is maintained below 60 percent indoors, there will not be enough water in those materials for mold to grow. However, if the RH stays above 70 percent indoors for extended periods of time, mold will almost certainly grow.
Best Humidity for Sleeping
The best relative humidity for sleeping and other indoor activities has been debated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best indoor relative humidity falls between 30% and 50%, and it should never exceed 60%. Other studies suggest 40% to 60% is a better range.
Open Windows and Doors
One of the easiest ways to dehumidify a room is to open up the windows, says the National Asthma Council. Doing so lets in fresh air, improving the air circulation in the room and—when you keep your inside doors open—within your home.