Humidity in winter, how can we prepare our homes?

Since the end of October, in Spain we have noticed a significant drop in temperatures throughout the territory. Winter has arrived very early and with too much force. And with it, the problems associated with the cold are on the way. The well-known colds, throat irritations, and dryness. This is undoubtedly the perfect weather for one of the enemies of health to make a strong presence again. The humidity in winter chills us to the bone outdoors, especially in coastal areas. But in our homes, the problem can be even greater. Do you already know how to prevent it?

If we asked practically any person who lives in an area with a lot of water vapor in the air -such as the Mediterranean or Atlantic coast- whether there is more humidity in winter or in the warm months, they would surely tell us that it is something that comes with the cold. Although it is true that the sensation of humidity is greater in winter, the humidity in summer. can also be very noticeable. After all, it can be felt in sweating.

Still, it is in winter when the humidity can cause the most damage in old or poorly prepared houses. And if there is not a good air circulation, it is very likely that in winter the windows are closed and greater humidity problems arise. How can we know in these months if there are humidity problems in winter in your home?

• The humidity gives off bad odors, especially with closed windows.
• It is possible to see the effects of humidity on some walls or ceilings, especially if there is mold present.
• The humidity causes respiratory problems. If you usually suffer from them, there may be an excess of water vapor in the air of your home.

The air we breathe indoors is, in too many cases, more important than that found outdoors. After all, we are spending more and more time within walls, and we are very vulnerable during sleeping hours.

That is why it is important to eliminate the humidity problems in winter as soon as possible, since it is the time of the year when we spend the most time at home, especially with closed windows in homes without mechanical ventilation systems to circulate the air.

How to eliminate humidity in winter in our homes?

The humidity in winter is a problem that should be corrected before the cold of January arrives. During the warmer months, excessive waterproofing occurs in buildings due to poor sealing of doors and walls. Especially in those rooms that do not allow for necessary transpiration and lack means for air renewal.

So, how can we improve the humidity in winter in our homes?

• The most important thing is to ventilate the rooms well. If you do not have a mechanical ventilation system, you will have to open the windows. After all, this is the simplest way to avoid problems due to condensation. If you live in high humidity areas -like the coast-, you need to be careful when ventilating, as the exterior humidity may be higher than the interior.
• A very common option is to have a dehumidifier to eliminate excess water vapor in the air. It is reasonably priced and has adequate functioning.
• The insulation of the walls also plays a very important role in the humidity in winter. If we do not want to suffer this problem, we need tighter walls. It is not enough to paint them; they must be covered with insulating materials like plasterboard or air chambers. Additionally, we will improve the comfort in the home by having warmer winters and cooler summers.
• It is not advisable to use heating at high power in winter if we do not want to suffer humidity problems.
• If we use a bathroom extractor, we can minimize the impact of humidity, as it is an important area where water vapor is created. In the kitchen, using the extractor while cooking is also essential.

In addition to all of this, it is advisable to have a clear understanding of what a home means in winter. If we have heating devices or heaters, we cannot turn them to maximum and be at home in short sleeves. In winter, the ideal indoor temperature is about 21°C.

To achieve this, the best solution to humidity in winter and related air problems is a mechanical ventilation system. Thanks to this, it is possible to eliminate the stale air generated in our homes and renew the air we breathe. Humidity is also eliminated and health in our homes is improved.