Today’s energy-efficient homes are built tightly to seal out cold weather in winter and keep in cool air in the summer. Moisture damage to your home caused by the improper use of your home ventilation system or other kinds of preventative maintenance is not covered by your new home warranty.
Always use your home ventilation systems to control moisture. Your heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is installed in your home to help control moisture and contaminants. Regular use of your home ventilation system will exhaust excess airborne moisture caused by bathing; showering, laundry and cooking.
We recommend purchasing an ENERGYSTAR dehumidifier in order to dehumidify the basement to avoid condensation build up on the foundation walls.
The colder it is outside, the lower the humidity tends to be inside the home. This can be complicated by incorrect operation of the HRV. Ensure you locate the correct manual for your HRV, and follow the correct settings for winter operation. Depending on the use of your home, you may wish to consider a humidifier.
Did you know: you can add humidity your home by hanging laundry inside, adding houseplants, showering with the door open, or air-drying laundry?
Monitor the humidity levels in your home by purchasing a ‘hygrometer’. Humidity levels should be in the range of 30 - 45%.