Humidity has a number of benefits, like lowering the risk of spreading airborne illnesses.
However, too much humidity in your apartment can cause issues. Excess humidity can
encourage mold growth, create health problems, such as intensifying allergens , keep
you from getting proper sleep and just make your apartment an uncomfortable place to
be.
Following these steps will help to effectively manage and reduce humidity levels:
Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to reducing humidity. Use exhaust fans in kitchens when
cooking and in bathrooms (we suggest leaving it on for 15 minutes after you have
finished showering). Open windows on dry days to allow fresh air circulation.
Run Your Mechanical System ( A/C, HRV Unit throughout warmer days during the summer.)
Air conditioning not only cools the air but also removes excess moisture. Set your
A/C to a comfortable temperature and use the “dry” or “dehumidify” mode if
available.
Temperature
Keep your home heated to a normal, comfortable, recommended living range between 20 - 22 degrees Celsius. Excess heat or cold may cause excess shrinkage, or excess moisture in your home.
HRV System Settings
Outside Air Temperature in Fahrenheit | Outside Air Temperature in Celsius | Desirable Maximum Inside Relative Humidity at an Indoor Temperature of 21 (70F) |
-20 | -29 | 20% |
-10 | -24 | 25% |
0 | -18 | 30% |
10 | -12 | 35% |
20 | -7 | 40% |
Run Your Dryer or Dry Clothes Outside
If are drying your clothes indoors by hanging them on a rack, on the back of a
chair or over the shower curtain bar, you can reduce humidity by moving them
outside if you’re able. This will help stop water from wet clothes evaporating into
the air in your apartment and you get the added bonus of that clothesline-fresh
smell in your clothes!
Keep Vents Unobstructed
In order for air to move freely throughout your apartment, you’ll want to ensure
that nothing is obstructing your vents.
Leave Doors Open
Shutting off interior rooms from the air conditioning in the rest of the house will
also worsen the air quality in those rooms. You’re actually disrupting the
ventilation of the apartment, which makes it difficult to move fresh air freely
throughout the unit.
Open Your Blinds
Opening the blinds allows fresh air to circulate, reducing condensation and humidity trapped between the blind and window. By opening up your blinds daily, you can reduce the likelihood of mold and water damage to surrounding window trim and wall.
