7 Ways to Reduce Humidity Through Better Ventilation

A high level of humidity can lead to condensation, dampness, mould, and mildew within the house, and can be uncomfortable. Once you understand how air circulates more freely in the house, you’ll have an idea of the small changes you can make in the home to make a big difference in its overall ambiance. The ease of operation and enhancements remind us of the potential of our everyday technology and physics in improving indoor air quality.  So here’s a list of 7 ways to use improved ventilation to reduce the moisture in the air.

1. Use Bathroom Exhaust Fans

A high amount of moisture is generated in bathrooms by running hot water, baths, and showers. With inadequate ventilation, this moisture can be left in the air and may land on walls, ceilings, mirrors, etc. Using an exhaust fan when bathing and afterwards will help to get rid of the moisture-laden air before it spreads around the house.

According to Hunter Fan Company, “Have the fan vent out of the attic or closed space and into the outside air; if the fan vents into a closed area, the moisture can be transported elsewhere in the house. Also, you can run the fan for about 15 to 20 minutes after showering to help the fan clear the moist air.”

2. Improve Kitchen Ventilation

The kitchen can get very damp when you’re making food, such as when you are boiling water, making steamed foods, or loading the dishwasher. If the range hood or exhaust fan is properly vented to the outside, warm, moist air is kept away from adjacent rooms. Use equipment for ventilation that vents to the outside if possible. Apply before or during cooking to dry and remove moisture and odors, and 4 minutes after to remove odors.

In addition, having the doors to the interior open, as appropriate, will promote airflow. A recirculating kitchen fan isn’t just for cooking; it can also pull the odors and grease from the kitchen, but it may not remove moist air from the home.

3. Increase Cross-Ventilation

Cross-ventilation is the movement of air between openings of the house. If the weather allows, open the windows or doors that are across the room or across the house from each other.

This may be especially helpful if the air humidity in the outside environment is lower than the air humidity in the inside environment. Open windows strategically, rather than all at once, and use interior doors to direct airflow in the room. When humidity is high outside, however, don’t use open windows. During humid weather, it can be exacerbated by introducing extra moisture to the environment. Use natural ventilation, taking into account local weather conditions.

4. Add Water to the Garden

Utilizing fresh air to circulate the home, it is possible to prevent humid air pockets in certain areas of the home. Ceiling fans, portable fans, and air control through air conditioners can distribute air. FANS do not dehumidify air, but can be used to circulate air and to minimize condensation sites. Emphasis should be placed on using them in conjunction with efficient exhaust ventilation for optimum results.

Pay attention to rooms that have limited ventilation, such as enclosed bedrooms, laundry rooms and bathrooms, and closets. For example, furniture: just slightly move the furniture away from the exterior wall to have better flow around the exterior wall.

5. Make sure to ventilate the laundry area correctly.

A significant volume of moisture can be generated in the air by washing and drying clothes. The clothes dryer should be vented to the outside of the home to allow warm and moist air to flow outside the home. Check the vent on the dryer frequently for lint and blockage, as it will cause it to run less efficiently and will lead to moisture accumulation. If drying clothes in an enclosed area, do not place clothes on a drying rack in a small enclosed space.

If it is not possible to install an appropriate exhaust fan, open the correct windows when hanging up clothes so that the clothes do not get soaked with moisture. A simple activity demonstrating how ventilation and airflow can affect the quality of indoor air and can even be a scientific demonstration of an everyday activity! Laundry ventilation can be helpful prevent excess moisture from spreading into bedrooms, hallways, and living areas.

6. Improve Attic Ventilation

One of the main components of controlling heat and moisture in the attic of a house is attic ventilation, which is above the living spaces. Having inadequate ventilation in the attic may lead to moist attics, which can lead to condensation and other issues in the structure. A simple attic ventilation system that is effective is a combination of intake and exhaust ventilation to promote an uninterrupted airflow. This may be accomplished by soffit vents, ridge vents, gable vents, or any other means depending on house construction.

Avoid fitting vents to the roof without taking into account how they can be incorporated into the roof and attic design. Professional help will be available if condensation and/or moisture is discovered in the attic and wet insulation is found, to determine the cause.

7. Do not have Doors and Vents that are Unbalanced.

It can cause problems in areas with poor ventilation, such as a door being closed on a room at all times, or when the supply and/or return air vents are obstructed by furniture. Identify the most comfortable position of doors inside and ensure that there are suitable vents for improved ventilation in the house. Do not have big furniture positioned directly above vents, which may impede ventilation. Provide return air grilles to allow return air to flow back.

Bathrooms and laundry rooms are typically very humid environments and benefit from exhaust ventilation. If a balance is to be used in the house, a carefully initiated moisture removal process with a balance can help maintain a comfortable indoor climate in the house. There are several ventilation strategies that are most likely to be effective in reducing humidity. To refresh the interior of the home, homeowners can take steps from the ground up to prevent moisture from damaging their home, to ensure air circulation, and to ensure their ventilation equipment is in good working order. The measures also represent the use of basic knowledge about airflow and humidity in the design of buildings, how this can contribute to increasing their efficiency,  and how simple building maintenance tasks are real examples of science and technology in action.