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Humidity, Mold, and Furnace Humidifiers

Posted December 15th, 2007 under renovations and repairs.

Frosted windows with delightful crystal designs on a cold winter morning may be a source of joy for the children, but it is not a good sign for the well-being of the house. Excessive humidity can lead to condensation in other cold areas as well, such as poorly-insulated ceilings or outside walls. Also, areas with poor ventilation, such as places where furniture or boxes are close to the wall, can develop condensation far more readily than well-ventilated areas. Over time, this condensation can encourage mold to grow. So, while air that is too dry is not good for the skin, air that is too humid can damage your home and your health as well.

There are two keys to maintaining a good balance. First is a humidifier on your furnace, to add moisture to the air when it is too dry. The second key is air circulation. Cold pockets and poor ventilation encourage faster condensation. To combat this, it is beneficial to run your furnace fan on low when the furnace is not on its heating cycle. (Many programmable thermostats include an option for constant fan operation.) This constant turnover of air will greatly reduce condensation in cold areas. As an added benefit, it will even out the ambient temperature in your home. This allows you to feel comfortable at a lower temperature, and reduces your overall heating costs.

Do you have a question about maintaining your home's value? Just ask me, I'll be happy to help.