Humidity will always be produced in a home – from10 to 50 litres (2 to 10 gallons) per day. Over a heating period of 200 days, when doors and windows are kept shut, 2,000 to 10,000 L (400 to 2,000 gal) of humidity can be confined indoors. A cord of wood, kept indoors, can release more than 270 L of moisture. Excess humidity can cause humidity problems that can, in turn, cause air quality problems.
Humidity problems have two sources: water leaks and condensation. When hot and humid air come in contact with a cold surface, humidity in the air turns into condensation. Water and ice on windows are examples. Condensation can also develop in the attic and in outside walls. Over time, too much moisture in the air in your home can cause structural and property damage and health problems. Controlling humidity in your home is the best protection against mildew problems.
Air Quality problems The air you breathe should be clean (that is, as pollutant-free as possible). For your health and comfort, indoor air must be freshened by air from outside. Without this exchange, humidity will accumulate, molds could become a problem and the quality of the air you breathe could be impacted. Molds growing in a house can produce spores, toxins and odours. Synthetic fabrics, furniture, decorative accessories and household products can also release hazardous substances. Condensation appears on cold surfaces. It is the result of excess humidity. Ventilating basements with warm air in spring or summer can cause a lot of condensation. If you suspect a humidity problem in your home, call on the building hygiene experts from Services ecoPlus. Services ecoPlus serves all of Quebec and eastern-Ontario.
