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Old 10-30-15, 12:23 PM   #3
JRMichler
Apprentice EcoRenovator
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Phillips, WI
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Humidity inside the house in cold weather means that moisture is getting in, and not getting out. Moisture gets in from people breathing, showers, aquariums, water leaks, and other sources. Moisture gets out by ventilation.

Most older homes are built so leaky that dry air inside in cold weather is the problem. Humid inside in cold weather means that the house is relatively airtight, a lot of water is getting into the air, or both.

What you can do:
1) Look for sources of moisture, such as leaks. Fix them.

2) A dehumidifier. Newer dehumidifiers are much more efficient. Energy Star dehumidifiers are worth the slight extra cost.

3) Ventilation. Open two windows on opposite sides of the house until the humidity gets down below 60%. Then leave them cracked open to keep the humidity below 60%.

4) Raise the temperature. The warmer you keep the house, the lower the relative humidity.

5) Add an air to air heat exchanger. This is another way to increase ventilation. The advantage is no drafts and reduced heating bill. You may be able to persuade the landlord to put one in if you explain that the condensation causes rot and mold.
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