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Your Winter Home: Common Problems and Easy Solutions
By Hilarey Wojtowicz
The winter may seem cold and dry, but the truth is moisture can often become one of the biggest
problems in your home. With the cold weather outside and the warm dry environment inside,
moisture and humidity can become a factor in how healthy your home stays during the cold
season. Because of leaks, moisture and humidity in your home, rotting wood, structural
conditions and even health problems can develop and last for months.
Take note of these common winter home conditions and prevent them before your home has
unwanted holiday problems this season.
Problems:
With the cold temperatures outside, the heat may be turned
up inside. Because of this, the warmer air can hold more
moisture and create a more humid environment. As a
result, mold and mildew can develop in different areas of
your home.
Moisture can rot wood if in the structural area. It can also
cause mold to grow in cool dark areas, such as your attic or
basement. Moisture can also develop under hardwood
floors and will condense on windows, causing uncomfortable and unflattering areas in your
ome.
e
ing
lly — plus sneezing and coughing,
erms are sure to breed within the humid environment.
olutions:
n
s and give you advice
n how to reduce environmental problems like these during the winter.
in the air, reducing the amount of germs in the air and the mold and mildew
at may develop.
h
Humidity is often seen as a needed aspect within homes during the winter. However, too much
humidity can cause too much condensation and thus moisture. Humidity in the air can also caus
germs to grow and stay longer within the air in your home. With those living the house add
to the humidity through breathing — 3 pints a day actua
g
S
Firstly, fix any leaks and cracks that may be allowing water to enter the home. If it is bigger tha
a do-it-yourself project, hire an Energy Star contractor to fix the problem
o
Also, to reduce moisture in various areas of your home, try a dehumidifier. This will help to
reduce the humidity
th