Maintaining Indoor Humidity in Cold Weather

In our area, we tend to think most often about humidity in the summer. Now that the weather is finally starting to turn cooler, you might be tempted to believe that you won’t have to worry about indoor humidity control until spring. But the truth is that fall and winter pose some unique home humidity challenges. Here’s what you need to know about indoor humidity in cold weather.

What Should My Humidity Level Be?

You may have heard before that the perfect indoor humidity level is around 45%. In the winter, you might want to change this conception. It’s tempting to want to amplify the humidity as much as possible, given the dryness of winter. If that’s what you normally do, think twice.

Your indoor humidity in winter should be anywhere between 30-40%.

Not sure why it should be lower? It’s because of condensation.

The Hazards of Condensation

The most unique threat to maintaining indoor moisture during cold weather is condensation.

You know what condensation is, but you might not think too often about what causes it. Essentially, condensation forms when warm and humid air meets a cold surface. This is why your glass of lemonade will invariably develop condensation in the mid-Atlantic summers.

In the winter, indoor air is the summer heat. Your windows are the glass of lemonade.

Why Condensation is Harmful

If you notice condensation forming on the inside of your home’s windows, you shouldn’t take it lightly. This is a sign that your home’s indoor humidity level is too high. It may even be at a dangerous level.

Most pertinently, excessive indoor humidity in cold weather can pose a serious threat to your health. It encourages the growth of mold, which can wreak havoc on your respiratory system. If you already have a respiratory condition such as asthma, this can be especially devastating.

Even if you aren’t concerned about its impact on your health, keep in mind that it can cause rotting in your home as well. It’s better to take control of the matter now than to end up paying for costly repairs further down the line.

What Can I Do About It?

Do you think you have a problem with indoor humidity in cold weather? If so, we have the solution for you. This could include any of the following:

• Adjusting your daily routine, such as showering or lighting fires
• Replacing your insulation
• Using a dehumidifier

Everyone’s situation is different, and we understand that. We will get to the heart of the issue and come up with a solution that works best for you.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.