How to Reduce Humidity Inside

Moisture is a common problem that can affect the comfort and health of the inhabitants of a home. Learn how to reduce indoor moisture, understand what it is, choose the right dehumidifier.

What's moisture?

Moisture refers to the presence of water vapor in the air. It can be measured in various ways, with relative humidity being one of the most common.

What is relative humidity

Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor present in the air in relation to the maximum amount that air could contain at a given temperature, without condensation.

In other words, relative humidity indicates the proportion of humidity present in the air compared to the maximum amount of humidity that air may contain at a specific temperature.

What does it mean to have 80% relative humidity?

When it is said that the relative humidity of the air is 80%, it means that the air contains 80% of the maximum amount of water vapor that could contain at a given temperature.

What does 100% moisture mean?

If the relative humidity of the air is 100%, it means that the air is saturated with water vapor and cannot contain any more!

At this point, the vapour pressure of the water in the air is equal to the vapor pressure of the water at the current temperature. So the water begins to condense, forming visible droplets of water.

Moisture Types

There are several tips to reduce moisture, but actions depend on its origin.

1. Condensation moisture: It occurs when wet air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows, poorly isolated walls or metal surfaces, and condenses, forming droplets of water.
2. Uphill humidity: It occurs when the soil moisture rises through the walls by means of capillarity.
3. Water infiltration: It's caused by leaks in the roof, walls, pipes or foundations. It can result in moisture stains on walls or ceilings and, if untreated, can lead to structural damage and mold growth.
4. Moisture of external infiltration: It is the penetration of rain water or snow through windows, doors or cracks on the outside walls of the house.

One of the most common causes is condensation. If there is no adequate air circulation inside the house, the humidity accumulates. This happens especially in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, where there is greater production of water vapor.

Open the windows and circulate the air in your house for some time every day. Then close the windows and use a dehumidifier to control moisture.

What is the ideal percentage of humidity inside the house?

The ideal moisture percentage inside the house usually stays between 40% and 60%. This is comfortable for people and helps prevent moisture-related problems such as mold and mold.

Moisture problems

When moisture is higher than comfort levels, stains on walls are common. These damage your home by promoting the proliferation of microorganisms. Mites and fungi are common.

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What can moisture cause health?

Excessive humidity indoors can cause a number of health problems, including allergies, breathing problems and skin irritations.

How do you know a house is damp?

There are some common signs of moisture inside the house, including mold spots, mold odors, condensation in the windows and damp walls. Also, the ideal is to have a relative humidity meter. You can choose a weather station.

Why have a weather station

One of the main advantages of having a weather station at home is the possibility of accurately measuring the ambient temperature. This is especially useful for planning your daily activities. In addition, you can adjust the internal temperature of your home to ensure maximum comfort.

Besides temperature, moisture measurement is also valuable information. A weather station provides data on air humidity, allowing you to take steps to avoid problems such as mold, excessive condensation or respiratory distress. With this information in your hands, you can make informed decisions about ventilation and humidity control in your home.

How do I know I need a dehumidifier?

If you notice the moisture signals mentioned above, you probably need a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of humidity in the air.

These devices are very efficient.

Control the humidity in your home

The control of humidity and temperature at home is essential, but why?

For example, with the rise in temperature, the relative humidity is low. If you are in an environment with a relative humidity below 30%, you may start to feel not only difficulty breathing but also sore throat.

Yeah, the relative humidity should average between 40% and 60% to have a good environment. So if you have a good humidity and temperature meter you can better control the environment.

For example, one of the widely used devices when the weather is very hot and dry is the evaporative air conditioners. They reduce the temperature and increase the humidity.

If, on the contrary, the climate is cold and humid, then one of the best solutions is to buy a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.

If you have air conditioning, then the moisture control can be done with these appliances, whether in hot and dry (How to Face Heat and Dry Time) as in winter.

Top 10 Practical tips for reducing humidity at home

1. Suitable ventilation: Keep the windows open to allow the circulation of fresh air for some time a day. This helps reduce moisture and avoid condensation.
2. Use exhaust cleaners: Install exhaust cleaners in wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, to remove excess moisture generated by activities such as bathing, cooking and drying clothes.
3. Use dehumidifiers: Place dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas such as basements, attics or closed spaces to remove excess humidity from the air.
4. Repair leaks: Repair any leaks on roofs, walls, pipes or taps to prevent water from entering the house.
5. Waterproofing: Perform adequate waterproofing of the outer walls and foundations to prevent the upward moisture of the soil.
6. Insulation: Correctly isolate the walls and windows to avoid condensation caused by the temperature difference between the interior and the exterior of the house.
7. Avoid drying clothes indoors: Drying clothes inside the house contributes significantly to increased moisture. When you dry clothes at home, use a dehumidifier.
8. Clear regularly: Regularly clean mold-prone areas, such as corners, tiles and windows, to avoid moisture accumulation and mold formation.
9. Monitor moisture: Use a hygrometer to monitor moisture levels in your home and take action whenever the levels are too high.
10. Airing cabinets and furniture: Keep the cabinets and furniture open periodically to allow air circulation and prevent moisture build-up within them.

Following these tips helps reduce moisture in your home and create a healthier and more comfortable environment.

Ventilation Grids

A house that is completely closed, results in many problems. Because, apart from molds and the proliferation of fungi, this results in health problems. Respiratory problems and headaches are the most common.

The ventilation of the rooms of a house is essential. Yeah, they allow the permanent renewal of the inner air. In addition, grids are a natural control of indoor moisture.

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Types of ventilation grids

There are several types of natural ventilation grids that can be used in households to promote air circulation. Here are some of the top guys.

1. Wall ventilation grids: They are grids installed on the outside walls of the house. They let the fresh air in and the hot air out. They usually have adjustable openings to control the airflow.
2. Ceiling ventilation grills: Installed on the ceiling, these grills allow hot air to rise and exit while fresh air enters the lower part of the house.
3. Window ventilation grids: Installed in the windows to allow fresh air and hot air to enter. Many models are adjustable to control airflow.
4. Kitchen and bathroom ventilation grills: Used in areas where there is a concentration of moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Yeah, they help remove damp air and odors, improving indoor air quality.

Buy a dehumidifier

See some of the dehumidifier devices you can buy. You can find these and other models in the air conditioning section and humidifiers.

How does a dehumidifier work?

A dehumidifier removes excess humidity from the air by sucking it into the device, where it is condensed in liquid water and then collected into a reservoir. In more detail:

1. Ventilation and Air Input: The dehumidifier has a fan that pulls the damp air from the environment into the device.
2. Air Filter: Before air enters the condensation area, many dehumidifiers have an air filter to remove particles such as dust, animal hair and other impurities.
3. Refrigeration: Wet air passes through a cold serpentine or evaporator. The serpentine is kept at a lower temperature than the condensation point of the water vapor present in the air. Thus, when wet air comes into contact with the cold surface, the water in the air condenses into liquid water.
4. Water Collection: Condensed water is then collected from an internal reservoir of the dehumidifier.
5. Reheating and Air Output: The air now drier is heated to room temperature. Thus, the dehumidifier does not reduce the temperature of the environment.

How to choose a dehumidifier?

When choosing a dehumidifier, take into account the size of the area to be treated, the moisture removal capacity of the device and additional options such as humidity control and air filters.

A device with 200 to 300 Watts and a deposit of 2 to 3 liters is already enough to maintain a division of 30 square meters without moisture.

Some models do have an option to dry clothes. But they themselves do not dry clothes efficiently or at reduced cost. However, if you dry clothes indoors on the wettest days, for example with a clothes rack electric (or normal), will see moisture rise very fast. In this case you should use a device to reduce humidity in the air.

In this case, it is common to reach close to 100% relative humidity at home.

Plants that absorb moisture

A natural form is the use of plants, because some not only absorb moisture but also provide an air purification effect.

San-Jorge sword

The Saint-Jorge Sword, also known as the Mother-in-law (Sansevieria trifasciata) is one of the best examples! It is a resistant plant and requires little maintenance, being well known for removing toxins from the air, formaldehydes, xylenes, benzenes, absorb moisture and purify air.

In addition, this plant is widely used in rooms since during the night it produces oxygen. Thus, it contributes to a quality sleep being of the best known plants that purify the room air.

(Image of Freepik)

Consistent use of dehumidifying plants is a natural option that can even replace moisture elimination systems.

1. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.): Besides being a beautiful plant, the lily of peace is effective in removing various toxins from the air and also helps balance moisture.
2. Jiboa (Epipremnum aureus): Also known as devilhead or pothos, this plant is easy to take care of and helps remove formaldehyde and other chemicals from the air.
3. Ficus (Ficus benjamin): This inner tree is effective in purifying the air, helping to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, and is also able to absorb moisture.
4. Rose palm (Licuala grandis): This palm tree is a popular indoor choice and is effective in removing toxins from the air, as well as contributing to regulating moisture.
5. Samambaia (Nephrolepis exaltata): The ferns are excellent for purifying the air and helping to control moisture in indoor environments.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.): This plant is easy to take care of and is effective in removing chemicals from the air while helping to maintain a healthy moisture level.
7. English Hera (Hedera helix): This plant is known for its ability to remove toxins from the air and can also help balance moisture.

Conclusion

Reducing moisture inside the house is essential to ensure comfort and health for residents. By understanding the moisture signals, choosing the right dehumidifier and maintaining adequate moisture levels, you can create a healthier and more enjoyable environment to live in.

Always remember to keep your home clean and well ventilated to help prevent moisture problems in the future.

(Credits: Image of stefamerpik on Freepik)