Well get ready for it. Here it comes. The humidity, and the heat.
After the past few days, this could be an idication that we are headed into a hot humid spring and summer. Regardless, of whether we are or not, we should be ready for the heat and humidity. What are you going to do to reduce your heat and humidity in your home. One very important thing you should know is that you do not want to have humidity level to exceed 60 %. Then you may start developing mold in your basement. Your will start to see and feel it on paper products. Such as books,photos and posters, just to name a few. Then your clothes and furniture will feel moist. Then you will see it on the wall near the floor where the air is the heaviest and contains the most water content. Also remember that your concrete basement floor is always colder then the warm moist air around it. Alway remember that cold air is heavy and warm air is light. That is why your second floor or attic is always hotter than your basement. Also remember that when warm air meets cold air it will turn to condensation. That is why your cold water supply lines and toilet will sweat on the hot humid days. Also if you have a tile floor in the basement it could sweat and create water on the surface, be careful it could be slippery. As well, remember that if you do not remove that moisture out of your basement OR crawlspace that you get mold. Mold is there before you even see it. It is a health hazard as well. People can develope allergies or get sick from it.
So you say one of two things. Big deal or lets deal with it and lets control it.
Here are just a few things you can do to improve your living and building health of your home.
1. Get the air moving in your basement or crawl space, it help dry it out. Buy a couple of portable fans
and put one at each end of the basement. Keeping them on low will work fine, unless really humid.
2. If it is really cool or moist in your basement or crawlspace turn the heat on a little bit to equalize the
tempurature within the house.
3. Turn on the furnace fans and draw some of the cold air out of the basement to the upstairs. This will
also prolongs using the more expensive air conditioning.
4. Install a humidex, costs about $500, and it acts just like a dehumidifier, but costs less to operate and
you do not have to empty the holding container.
5. Buy an energy star rated dehumidifier and hook it up to a floor drain.
6. It is also a good idea to open a window little bit to allow for fresh air.
7. If you have to turn on the air conditioner, this is likely the most expensive way to cool your home, but
it works. It will also remove a lot of the moisture out of the air.
Some other small things to consider.
1. Make sure your attic/roof has adequate ventilation.
2. If you are going to reshingle your roof, do not use black or dark shingles, because they absorb heat.
3. Plant trees and plants that may block the hot summer sun. If you go under a tree in the summer it
always feels cooler.
4. Limit your use of incandescent lighting, because most of the energy used is wasted in heat. Be careful
though when using CFL bulbs because when they break they are toxic.
5. Shade your air conditioner to keep the hot sun off it.
6. Close your windows and window covers during the day.
7. Open your blinds and windows during the cool of the evening. Try to get a cross breeze going.
8. Place a fan near the window, not in the window. Watch for rain, because the fan may draw the rain
into the house.
9. Keep extra water and drinks in the basement before putting in the fridge. If you put them in warm or
hot it takes much longer to cool down, and you will NEED them.
These are just a few things to do that will help you stay cool. When you are ready to sells your home or buy one bring me a long and I will give you some great tips as to how to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. I would love the opportunity to help you or your referrals out.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Joseph Talbot, ASA, SRES, AGA
Sales Representative
Remax Clearview Inc. brokerage.
705-733-5821
Check out my website for other great information.
http://www.josephtalbot.ca/
