Issues & Remedies For Winter Home Humidity Problems

Issues & Remedies For Winter Home Humidity Problems

Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am.  Have your most pressing home improvement quandaries addressed by calling or texting 651-461-9226.  Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus shared on 12.17.22.  

The best winter humidity levels take into consideration exterior temperatures.  As a rule, the colder it gets, the lower the house’s winter humidity level should be.  Use this guide to determine the right winter humidity setting in your home.

How To Lower Humidity In The Winter

  • Use a dehumidifier
  • Using your kitchen range hood when cooking and boiling water
  • Run bath fans while showering and verify they are not venting to the attic
  • Store firewood outside

Two Winter Humidity Problems

1. Window Condensation In The House

Window condensation in cold weather is the result of the home’s warm, humid air meeting the window’s cold surface.  When windows get moisture on them, damage can occur to the frame and adjacent walls.  Even more alarming is that cold condensation on windows can lead to dry rot, mold, and fungus.

Closed house windows that have interior ice formation may need window replacement.  If there is frost along the residential windows, the glass packs may have reached the end of their lifespan.

window condensation

2. Attic Insulation Mold

If the air sealing in an attic is lacking, frost can form on the insulation.  Frost on the attic insulation in the winter is a problem when it melts.  It can cause water-stained ceilings, wet insulation, and mold formation.  When this happens, new insulation must be installed.

attic mold

The Most Energy Efficient Windows For Cold Climates

Marvin Infinity® Windows work well in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin.  These custom windows come with energy efficient glass packs.  This leads to lower utility bills and a more comfortable home.  Marvin replacement windows are 5000 times less thermally conductive than aluminum windows.  This can help avoid window condemnation.

Infinity From Marvin Window

Long-Term Home Insulation Solutions

Many times, the best way to fix your attic is to remove your old insulation and start over.  This gives insulation contractor services a blank slate to work with.  From there, they can suggest appropriate levels of insulation and ventilation.  Air sealing an attic should also be part of the plan.  Doing so eliminates heat loss and prevents ice dams.

fiberglass insulation removal

The Leader In Energy Efficient Home Improvements For the Twin Cities & Western WI

Since 1979, we have helped homeowners with home insulation and energy efficient windows.  Our mission is to create solutions that lower energy bills and increase comfort.  Contact us today for a complimentary estimate.

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