Sometimes a humidifier can do more harm than good.
Muth & Company crews are inspecting many homes with moisture issues in walls, ceilings, and windows. We are finding that many of these problems are from a humidifier being set too high.
During the Ohio winter, a humidifier comes in handy to moisten dry air that results from the constant use of home heating systems. This dry air can dry out and irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs. Dry skin is another problem.
A humidifier can cause another set of problems if overused.
If the humidity is too high in a home, mold and dust mites may thrive. Both are common causes of allergies. Health issues that can arise from a humidifier include allergies, asthma flair-ups, coughs, flu-like symptoms, and lung and sinus infections. Mold also causes an unpleasant smell and can discolor surfaces. Here are other problems that result from the overuse of humidifiers.
- Water stains on walls and ceilings
- Condensation on windows during the winter
- Mildew growing in the bathroom
- Mold growing in the corner of a closet, kitchen, or bathroom
- Peeling, cracking, or blistering paint
How much humidity is OK?
Ideal indoor humidity levels can vary, but generally should be less than 60% and ideally between 30-50%.
Although this range is recommended, it can still cause issues if your home is improperly vented. And if you start to see excess moisture on windows or your walls, keep turning it down. No home is exact therefore no home will be the same.
If the moisture levels of most rooms in your home fall in the recommended range, you don’t need to use a humidifier.
If you want to measure your home’s humidity you’ll need a hygrometer. This small tool can be placed in a living space that’s a good distance away from a bathroom or kitchen where moisture is created. Avoid doors and windows to ensure the reading isn’t skewed by rain, sunlight, or other weather conditions.
Remember that everyday living contributes a significant amount of moisture to indoor air. Cooking three meals a day adds four to five pints of water to the air. Each shower contributes a half-pint. Even washing dishes, mopping floors, and doing laundry will add moisture to indoor air.
Other Causes of Water Damage
There are many other causes of moisture problems in a home beside a humidifier. Specifically, roof leaks and improper attic ventilation. The Columbus, Ohio, roofing experts at Muth & Company Roofing can conduct a thorough inspection of your home to narrow down the cause of moisture damage and provide prompt roof repair in Columbus if needed. Give us a call today at (614) 682-3060.