|
Humidity Control Tips
Note: Make sure
that you have a humidity sensor to verify that your humidity reduction
efforts result in a relative humidity level is which falls below 50-55%
relative humidity.
Use Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers remove moisture by drawing air across a cooled surface,
causing condensation to occur. The water that condenses runs into a drip
tray and either collects in a container or is pumped into a sink. This type
of dehumidifier is economical in electrical consumption, and works well
above 60-65oF and above 60% relative humidity.
Here are factors to consider with dehumidifiers:
-
Water extraction
(measured in pints)
-
Automatic tank
shut off (when tank is full)
-
Air filtration
-
Anti-frost sensor
-
Efficient air
flow
-
Water pumped out
of room/home
-
LCD screen
-
Fan speeds
-
Energy
consumption
-
Chassis material
-
Lowest
temperature at which it can operate
-
Noise level
Surround Air Dehumidifier Product Information
Use
of Humidity Sensors
Humidity sensors allow you to determine whether or not you have a humidity
problem by measuring the relative humidity in the area where you place it.
This way you not only know if you have a problem, but to a degree you can
pinpoint where you have a problem. Anything above 50-55% RH (relative
humidity) is considered excessive, and could lead to mold, dust mite, and
other microorganism growth inside.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation can reduce moisture in the home. Keeping the air pressure
in the home or building at a slightly higher level than the air pressure
outside will help to ensure proper ventilation. Slightly positive air
pressure forces moisture and contaminates outside.
If the air pressurization is the other way around (negative), where the air
pressure is higher outside, then it will force moisture and pollutants back
into the home or building.
Avoid over-pressurization though (too much of a positive air pressure),
since it will cause moisture to be forced into walls and structural
cavities, compounding the moisture level inside, and potentially damaging
the home or building.
In order to achieve a slightly positive air pressure, adjust the supply
ventilation slightly higher than the exhaust ventilation.
Also, combustion appliances and bathroom/kitchen fans should bed vented
outside if possible. Combustion appliances include space heaters, ranges,
ovens, stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and clothes dryers.
Keep
Crawl Spaces Dry
Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming
in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well ventilated with good cross
ventilation under the house so air will circulate freely. Make sure all
vents are unobstructed and repair any torn vent screens. If you don’t have
sufficient vents, add more.
Keep Basement Dry
In general, basements have the highest humidity level in the home. If you
allow the basement to remain humid, mold and dust mites can begin to
colonize, and spread to other parts of the home. As a result, you may need
to use a dehumidifier in the basement. You should also make sure the
foundation walls are well-insulated, and that the basement is
well-ventilated.
There are also things that can be done during the construction phase, such
as applying a damp proof coating on the below grade portion of the
foundation wall.
The basement floor can be a significant source of moisture. To reduce water
absorption, the concrete slab should be poured on top of three to four
inches of washed aggregate, with a sheet of polyethylene installed beneath
the aggregate. Insulating the floor slab saves energy and improves comfort;
it also reduces basement condensation in the summer.
Check
for Leaking Pipes
Many pipe leaks occur without the home owner realizing they are happening.
As a result, the water damage occurs before they are detected, and the
humidity level in the home increased, perhaps to a level that is unhealthy
(50-55% relative humidity or higher).
Signs that you may have leaking pipes:
1. You can hear running water sounds when nothing is turned on.
2. Musty odors that seem to originate from walls or floors.
3. Running toilets and dripping faucets.
4. Abnormally high water bills.
5. A water meter reading that changes when you aren’t using any water for an
hour.
6. Discolored or damaged walls.
7. A cracked or damp foundation or slab.
8. Warm spots on concrete slab floors, mildew, or excess moisture under
carpets.
9. Regular sewer backups.
10. Areas in the yard that are too wet and with unusual plant or grass
growth.
Prevent Water Intrusion through the Foundation
The most important thing you can do is making sure the ground slopes away
from the foundation. If necessary, you may want to apply a waterproofing
sealant to the foundation.
Prevent Water Intrusion through the Roof
Inspect your roof at least twice a year. Especially proceeding harsh weather
conditions and between seasons.
Roofs will weather under the heat/sunlight. It can essentially be “baked”
and become dry and brittle (alligatoring), hence it is more likely to split
and eventually leak. Metal components of the roof can rust and corrode, and
asphalt-based plastic cement used for seals around pipes, vents, and other
penetrations may deteriorate over time and leak. You can apply a coating to
some roofs to create a layer of waterproof protection.
Also, make sure the attic is well-insulated.
Seal
Windows
Condensation on or around the window is the sign of a excessive moisture. If
this is happening, use a sealant around the window to make sure that it is
completely air tight.
Surround Air Dehumidifier |
Air Dehumidifier Specifications
|
Dehumidifier Warranty Guarantee
Air Dehumidifier Instructions
|
Dehumidifier Buying Guide
|
Humidity Control Tips |
Relative Humidity Control Tips|
Humidity Controlled Dehumidifier
|
