Calgary’s unique climate presents specific challenges that can impact both your health and the integrity of your home.

Managing indoor humidity is an often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of home maintenance in Calgary. Understanding the challenges that come with cold winters and knowing how to tackle them effectively can make all the difference in maintaining a comfortable and safe living environment.

Window Condensation: A Sign of Indoor Humidity

Windows are often the first indicators of excessive indoor humidity. Similar to how a bathroom mirror fogs up after a hot shower, your home windows show condensation when warm, humid air inside your home meets the cold surface of the windows. This is particularly noticeable during colder months when indoor air is warmer and more moisture-laden than the cold, dry outdoor air.

What Makes Indoor Air So Humid?

The most common contributors to indoor air humidity are everyday activities. Showers, baths, cooking, washing dishes, doing laundry, and even breathing add moisture to your home’s air. Modern homes, designed for energy efficiency and insulation, tend to trap this moisture indoors, exacerbating humidity levels.

The Implications of High Indoor Humidity

While a certain level of humidity is necessary for comfort, excessive indoor humidity can lead to several problems. Health concerns like mold, mildew, and respiratory issues can arise in moist environments. Structurally, high humidity can cause paint to blister and peel, wood to rot, and insulation to deteriorate. Understanding that modern, energy-efficient homes are designed to be airtight for temperature control, they also inadvertently trap moisture inside, contributing to higher indoor humidity levels.

Attic Rain: A Winter Phenomenon

In addition to window condensation, high humidity levels in Calgary homes can lead to a phenomenon known as ‘attic rain.’ During prolonged cold spells, moisture can accumulate as frost in the attic, especially on the roof’s underside. When temperatures rise, this frost melts, potentially leading to water leakage in the living space. This issue, while dependent on various factors, underscores the importance of managing indoor humidity and ensuring proper attic ventilation.

Practical Solutions to Reduce Indoor Humidity

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to increase ventilation and control indoor moisture. Simple actions like using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, opening windows briefly to exchange humid for dry air, and ensuring proper venting of appliances can make a significant difference. We particularly recommend leaving your bathroom fan on for at least an hour after taking a hot shower in the winter to effectively vent excess moisture. Additionally, during cold snaps, adjusting your humidifier settings and using ventilation fans can reduce the risk of attic rain.

Safety and Prevention

If you suspect issues like attic rain, catching water leaks with containers and drying wet areas can help minimize damage while waiting for a home inspection. Remember, opening the attic hatch can worsen the problem by introducing more humid air.

Navigating home humidity in Calgary doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the root causes and implementing simple yet effective solutions, you can significantly enhance your home’s comfort and longevity. Remember, proactive measures are key in managing indoor humidity. Stay warm, dry, and informed this winter season!