What are the main ways to control moisture in your home?

Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.

There are many ways to control moisture in your home:

• Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid  climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
• Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
• Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
• Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.

Moisture on Windows

Your humidistat is set too high if excessive moisture collects on windows and other cold surfaces. Excess humidity for a prolonged time can damage walls especially when outdoor air temperatures are very low. Excess moisture condenses on window glass because the glass is cold. Other sources of excess moisture besides overuse of a humidifier may be long showers, running water for other uses, boiling or steaming in cooking, plants, and drying clothes indoors. A tight, energy efficient house holds more moisture inside; you may need to run a kitchen or bath ventilating fan sometimes, or open a window briefly. Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there.

Humidifiers are not recommended for use in buildings without proper vapor barriers because of potential damage from moisture buildup. Consult a building contractor to determine the adequacy of the vapor barrier in your house. Use a humidity indicator to measure the relative humidity in your house. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends these maximum indoor humidity levels.

Outdoor Recommended Indoor Temperature Relative Humidity

Temperature Humidity +20o F. 35% +10o F. 30% 0o F. 25% -10o F. 20% -20o F. 15%

Source:  Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (www.aham.org).

For more information on mold:

Excessive sweating in hot, humid weather is no fun. Dealing with the humidity can be frustrating, especially for those who sweat a lot naturally. Luckily, there are ways to alleviate sweating, even during the hottest time of the year.

Why Do We Sweat More in Humid Weather?

Sweating is your body’s way of cooling down and regulating your temperature. When there’s a change in your internal temperature, your brain triggers a response that activates your sweat glands. Sweat is released and evaporates on your skin. It cools down your skin and prevents you from overheating.

So how does humidity come into play? Humidity is the percentage of water vapor in the atmosphere at any given time. In conditions with zero humidity, the air doesn’t hold any water vapor (so the weather feels dry). On the other hand, in conditions with 100 percent humidity, the atmosphere is so saturated with water vapor that it can’t absorb any more moisture (typically more tropical climates).

Humidity affects sweat’s ability to evaporate. Typically, you’d rely on fresh air or breeze to cool you down when you sweat. But when it’s humid, the atmosphere has already absorbed a fair share of water vapor, so the sweat on your skin isn’t able to evaporate as quickly.

Instead of evaporating, sweat lingers on your skin when it’s humid, making you feel hotter and more uncomfortable as a result. And for those who sweat excessively, humidity and hyperhidrosis are an unruly combination.

How to Sweat Less in Humid Weather

Sweating in humid conditions may seem grueling, especially if you have hyperhidrosis. But you don’t have to suffer in discomfort and be a sweaty mess. Follow these tips to stay cool and dry, even when humidity levels are sky-high.

1. Stay Hydrated

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s crucial. When it’s humid, your body can’t cool down as quickly, so drinking more water is a must. Additionally, try to stay away from alcohol or caffeinated beverages – they’re dehydrating and can cause you to sweat even more.

2. Limit Strenuous Outdoor Activities

To stop sweating in humidity, spend more time indoors. Keep cool in air-conditioned environments and avoid spending too much time under the sun. Partaking in intense physical activity in high heat and humidity could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.

Fortunately, weather and humidity levels are quite predictable, so plan your outdoor activities around the hottest times or days. Scope out your local weather report and keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels.

3. Use Antiperspirant

Antiperspirant controls sweating by clogging the sweat glands in your pits. Aluminum (the active ingredient in antiperspirant) dissolves onto your skin’s surface to form a gel. The gel plugs your sweat glands to reduce sweating and prevent wet marks on clothing.

Pro-tip: For best results and maximum effectiveness, apply antiperspirant the night before to give your skin more time to soak up the ingredients.

4. Use Talcum Powder

Sprinkling some talcum powder or baby powder on your skin can absorb moisture and help you stay dry and cool.

Keep in mind, though, that these powders don’t reduce or stop sweat. However, they can offer some additional comfort and protection on extra humid days. (And, it’s a quick and cheap hack if you find yourself in a pinch.)

You can pick up these products at just about any drugstore or grocery store.

5. Use a Dehumidifier

If you're struggling to combat humidity indoors, consider investing in a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier works by removing water and moisture from the air for a drier, cooler environment.

For a better night's rest, you can run a dehumidifier while you're sleeping.

6. Wear the Right Clothing

Whether you have hyperhidrosis or want to tame your sweat in the humidity, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing made with the right materials.

Clothing made with synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon and spandex have “moisture-wicking” properties. However, these materials don’t absorb moisture – they repel sweat from the skin and push it through the outer layer of clothing.

Alternatively, natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo and linen are soft, breathable and absorbent, so they’re more effective at keeping you dry and cool on hot and humid days. They’re also a better option for those who have hyperhidrosis and want to conceal sweat stains.

If you’re looking for a shirt that can withstand sweating in humid conditions, try the Thompson Tee, available for men and women.

The Thompson Tee is a durable, absorbent, sweat proof undershirt made with 100% cotton. Built with patented Hydro-Shield sweat proof technology, these shirts are guaranteed to absorb and evaporate underarm sweat, meaning you’ll stay cool, dry and worry-free all day long.

Outsmart the humidity and try a Thompson Tee risk-free today!