One in five homes is affected by humidity problems in France, according to INSEE. It is even one of the most frequent problems in an apartment or a house. Humidity, present in the ambient air of our homes, can be a determining factor for the comfort, health and structural integrity of our living spaces. Too little or too much humidity can cause a variety of problems, from everyday discomforts to more serious property damage.
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How do you know if there is too much humidity in a house?
When the humidity level reaches 70% or more, the effects on our home begin to appear. The following symptoms should then alert us and encourage us to act without delay: peeling paint, peeling wallpaper, corrosion of metal objects, swelling of wooden joinery, deterioration of walls and joints, condensation on the interior side of glazing, stains and marks on walls and ceilings, the appearance of mold, moss and other forms of fungus, etc.
What are the risks associated with humidity?
Humidity is a real scourge for your home and your material possessions. Without rapid and adequate treatment, the damage will not only be aesthetic, but also structural. Too humid air can cause the oxidation of metals, the rotting of wood, the greening of linen, the acceleration of the aging of household appliances, and an increase in energy consumption (humidity absorbs heat and causes losses). energy) and the fragile rapidity of the structures of your home.
A house that is too humid is also harmful to our body, with a high chance of causing serious complications: drying out and irritation of the mucous membranes, skin, eyes and throat. Vulnerability of the body to bacteria and viruses, increased risk of dermatitis, migraines, respiratory allergies, asthma, bronchitis, persistent fatigue… Humidity also promotes the development of mites and bacteria.
What solutions should we adopt for a healthy home?
A diagnosis established by a professional is essential to combat humidity problems in the ambient air inside your home. He is in fact best placed to carry out an in-depth analysis of the situation, and then suggest appropriate solutions, based on the results of his expertise. For small humidity problems, you can also opt for a humidity absorber.
How to lower the humidity level in a house?
Reducing humidity levels in a home can be important for preventing mold growth, improving comfort and protecting physical assets. Be sure to ventilate your home regularly by opening windows, especially during periods when the air outside is dry. Dehumidifiers are devices designed to extract excess moisture from the air. Place them in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, or enclosed spaces. Water leaks can contribute to increased humidity. Be sure to repair any plumbing or roof leaks promptly.
Use fans in areas where humidity is a problem, such as the kitchen and bathroom, to help remove excess humidity. If possible, avoid drying wet clothes indoors. Use a drying rack or hang them outside. Maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, as warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. However, do not overuse the air conditioning, as this can dry the air excessively. Desiccant salt, such as calcium chloride, can help absorb moisture. Place bags of this salt in damp areas.
Make sure your home is properly insulated to avoid humidity problems caused by temperature differences between inside and outside. Limit prolonged hot water use, such as long showers, and use lids when cooking to reduce moisture release.
What is normal humidity in a house?
The recommended humidity level for the interior of a house generally varies between 30% and 50%. However, the ideal level may differ slightly depending on individual preferences and local climatic conditions. Here are some points to guide you:
- Between 30% and 40%: A relatively low humidity level may be more comfortable during the winter months because cold air retains less moisture.
- Between 40% and 50%: It is generally considered the ideal beach for comfort and health. In this range, you are less likely to experience problems related to excess humidity or dryness.
- Above 50%: Higher humidity can encourage the growth of mold, dust mites and other allergens. It can also make the environment uncomfortable and potentially damage furniture or structures in the home.
What causes humidity in a house?
Excessive humidity in a home can be caused by several factors. It is often the result of a combination of environmental conditions, human behavior and structural features of the home. Poor ventilation can prevent the circulation of fresh air and encourage the accumulation of humidity inside. Plumbing leaks, water seepage through the roof, walls or foundation can introduce water into the home, contributing to humidity. Condensation occurs when warm air meets cold surfaces. This can happen on windows, poorly insulated walls, or in poorly ventilated nooks and crannies of the house.
Activities such as cooking, showering, and even breathing release moisture into the air. If ventilation is not adequate, this moisture can build up. Poor insulation can lead to temperature differences between inside and outside, leading to condensation and promoting humidity. Construction defects, thermal bridges or problems with the waterproofing of the house can contribute to high humidity levels. In basements or cellars, water from the soil can evaporate into the indoor air, adding to the ambient humidity. Poorly directed stormwater can seep into walls, foundations or basements, contributing to dampness.
What is hygrometry?
Hygrometry, also known as relative humidity, measures the amount of moisture present in the air relative to the maximum amount of moisture that air could contain at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage. It is an important indicator for assessing the level of humidity in the ambient air.
Relative humidity (RH) is usually measured using an instrument called a hygrometer, which can be mechanical, electronic or chemical. Electronic hygrometers are the most commonly used today due to their accuracy and ease of use.
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