Healthy Homes by AmeriSpec provides an assessment of your indoor humidity levels by measuring air tightness in your home. If you think you may have excess humidity levels in your home, we are here to help.
What is excess humidity in your home?
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. When the air can’t “hold” all the moisture, it condenses on walls, floors, windows and other areas.
Condensation forming on the inside of windows is caused by a combination of high interior air humidity and a large temperature difference between the window and the indoor air. When warm interior air hits the cold window, it decreases in temperature. Cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air, which is why the condensation forms. If the condensation forms in large quantities and runs down the glass, the windowsill or underlying wall materials may become moldy or moisture damaged, and could require repairs.
Sources of water vapour that also contribute to excess humidity levels in your home include normal household activities such as bathing, cooking, laundering your clothes, and plants. Higher than normal levels of humidity in certain areas of your home can also contribute to infestations of bed bugs and biological contaminants such as mold and dust.
How do excess humidity levels in your home affect you?
High levels of humidity can cause discomfort for you and your family, but more importantly, it contributes to the growth of mold and other microbial organisms that can adversely affect your health. Excess humidity levels can also lead to long-term damage to your home, including structural damage, if not treated properly. High humidity and mold can also create an old, stale, musty or earthy smell in your home.
How can an assessment of humidity levels in your home help?
Condensation on the inside of windows in your home suggests that there is excessive moisture, poor air circulation or a problem with your windows.
If you notice a moldy smell in the air when entering your home, specifically, in the basement, it probably indicates you have excess humidity. Since humidity can lead to the development of mold, it can lead to additional odours and damage to your home. Catching the issue early can prevent costly repairs.
Having an inspection of the ventilation in your home by a qualified air quality inspector, can determine humidity levels and help you decide if you need to take corrective action.
What to expect from an excess humidity level inspection
Here’s what you can expect when you book an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) evaluation with Healthy Homes by AmeriSpec:
- A comprehensive walk through and assessment by a qualified Healthy Homes by AmeriSpec technician, including a complete visual inspection of the home and key area(s) of concern
- Air quality testing and assessment to determine if there is excess humidity present in your home
- Air tightness testing throughout your home to pinpoint areas of concern
- Testing and measurements with moisture meter to determine where walls, floors or ceilings may have moisture issues
- Thermal imaging to locate possible hidden moisture areas in walls, floors and ceilings
- After all testing and assessment procedures are completed, you will be provided with a detailed and easy-to-understand evaluation report
Important facts about excess humidity in your home
Remedies for reducing the formation of excess humidity and condensation include:
- Ensuring a well-ventilated home to prevent high levels of humidity, thus reducing the chance of physical damage to your home
- Removing plants and hanging laundry; storing wood outside to dry; installing exhaust fans
- Installing heat sources below windows to reduce the formation of condensation on the glass
- Installing storm windows on single-pane windows, and keeping blinds or curtains slightly away from the windows to airflow in front of the windows
The first step towards having a healthy home is to have your indoor air quality professionally tested.
If you are concerned about excess humidity in your home…don’t wait. Your health depends on it.