In any residential setting, a certain amount of indoor humidity is necessary to keep the space comfortable. However, when humidity levels get too high, there can be substantial negative results. Here are some ways to locate an indoor humidity problem.
Relative Humidity
Humidity is the amount of moisture contained in the air. Relative humidity is the percentage of moisture in the air relative to the amount of moisture it takes before the air is saturated. In most cases, a relative humidity level around 50 percent will be adequate to maintain indoor comfort.
Identifying an Indoor Humidity Problem
An indoor humidity problem will reveal itself most often in moisture-related issues. Some of the ways to spot such a problem include:
- Condensation on windows: Condensation happens when humid air makes contact with a surface that is colder than the temperature of the air. Droplets of water will form on the surfaces of windows, pipes, and related surfaces.
- Standing water: If you find small puddles of standing water in your home, it can indicate a water leak or an area where humidity has condensed sufficiently to create water. Water leaks can contribute to excess humidity and should be repaired immediately.
- Mold or mildew: One of the most common effects of high humidity is the growth of mold and mildew on surfaces in your home. You may notice this in areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. When mold and mildew spread to areas where humidity is usually lower, it indicates a significant overall humidity problem in the home.
- Moisture damage: High humidity can cause moisture damage to books, papers, electronics, and other materials. Wallpaper can begin to peel, wood paneling and flooring can split and warp, and wood furniture can be warped and damaged by excess moisture.
Arpi’s Industries, Ltd. is a premier provider of HVAC sales, installation, service, and maintenance in the Calgary area, and has been for more than fifty years. Contact us today for more information on how to locate and identify an indoor humidity problem and for professional services to resolve humidity issues in your home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about humidity and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide.
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