Excess water vapor in the air, how to solve it?

There are times when, upon entering a house or a building, we notice an unpleasant smell. The humidity has infiltrated the rooms we inhabit and our sense of smell warns us of it. However, when that happens, we are faced with a complex situation due to excess water vapor in the air. How can we combat this problem that severely affects our lungs and also our homes?

The smell is not the only negative effect caused by an excess of water vapor stored in the indoor environment. You may notice sticky sheets and a heavy atmosphere, even when temperatures are pleasant. Indeed, humidity is one of the most important climatic factors to consider in our homes.

If you live in coastal areas, you probably know the problem well, as it is experienced both outdoors and indoors, but on rainy days or at those times when condensation occurs, the appearance of an excess of water vapor in the air is possible in almost any area.

First, it is essential to understand why relative humidity humidity increases indoors, beyond the climate conditions we are in. More than anything, because where we cannot remedy is in the climatic geography itself, so it is important to know what we can do at home. First of all, keep in mind that water vapor in the air starts to become concerning when it exceeds values of 60%.

• The number of people in a room. The perspiration of human beings increases humidity, as each occupant can emit between 40 and 60 grams of water vapor per hour. If there are usually many people in a location, we must consider the increase of water vapor in the air.
• Ironing clothes and hanging them also generates humidity, sometimes even more than washing clothes. Above all, it is advisable not to hang clothes indoors.
• Taking long showers also influences the increase of humidity indoors, both in the bathroom and in adjacent areas.
• Cooking is a source of air pollution and humidity, making it one of the daily activities that most affects the quality of what we breathe.

The best solution to avoid humidity at home is to install a mechanical ventilation system that extracts the humidity in the air. Even so, before making modifications at home, we can implement a series of solutions, some at no cost, to improve the indoor atmosphere.

Measures to eliminate excess water vapor in the air

The most important thing in the fight against humidity is to act directly on the source of the problem. Many people see the appearance of stains on the walls due to excess water vapor in the air and decide to paint over it. This measure is a mistake, as it just hides the problem without solving it.

It is much more important to make a series of habit changes, small renovations, and become aware of what we can do:

• Open the windows and let the air in. The main promoter of humidity is a heavy atmosphere. If we do not have ventilation systems, we must open the windows to let out the bad quality air and let in the fresh air from outside. If there is a lot of humidity, we can direct a fan towards the open window.
• Clothes must be hung outside. If we have wet garments indoors, we can emit large amounts of humidity.
• Install a ventilation fan in the bathroom. Its cost is not high and it is the best ally to extract the excess water vapor in the air in the room where most humidity is generated. Whenever you use the bathroom, it is advisable to have it running. Similarly, shorten the shower time.
• In the kitchen, always use the extraction hood. Even more so, if you can, open the kitchen window so that the smoke and humidity escape from the room. Another very important action during cooking is to cover the pots and pans in food preparation.
• Close the doors of the humid rooms. These are normally the kitchen and the bathroom, and although it may sometimes seem like a bad idea due to odors, this will prevent the creation of an excess of water vapor in the air in areas such as living rooms or bedrooms.

If you implement all these actions, you will be able to face humidity without incurring great costs. Remember that excess water vapor in the air causes respiratory illnesses and also generates discomfort and irritability in people. Likewise, it damages our furniture at home and is one of the enemies of well-being indoors.