Sources of Humidity | Action Required |
---|---|
Daily Activity | |
Cooking | Run kitchen exhaust fan; cover cooking pots to reduce steam |
Laundry | Make sure appliances are properly vented to the outside; use clothes dryer instead of hanging wet clothes indoors; use exhaust fans |
Bathing | Run bathroom exhaust fan; take shorter showers |
Household Area | |
Window Coverings | Open drapes, curtains, and shades; remove inside screens |
Air Circulation | Don't cover or deflect warm air registers; don't close off rooms; open windows slightly to let in cool, dry air |
Moisture-producing areas | Close doors and windows to greenhouse areas, hot tub, or pools |
Attic & Crawl Space | Check for proper ventilation; Use vapor barrier in crawl spaces |
Mechanical | |
Humidifier | Turn humidifier down or off; Use a dehumidifier |
Exhaust Fans | Make sure exhaust fans vent directly outside, not to attic or crawl space |
Furnace | Make sure your furnace is in proper working order and serviced regularly; operate furnace fan; Consult with your heating and cooling professional to see if you need to install a fresh air intake or an air-to-air heat exchanger. |
Miscellaneous | |
Fire Wood | Store fire wood outside or in the garage |
Chimneys | Make sure chimneys are free and clear |
Plants | Reduce number of house plants; cover large fish tanks |
Outside Air Temperature |
Inside Relative Humidity |
-30° C or cooler | 15% Max |
-30° C | 20% Max |
-23° C | 25% Max |
-18° C | 30% Max |
-12° C | 35% Max |
-7° C | 40% Max |
Source - Window & Door Manufacturers Association |