We all enjoy a hot shower. The problem is that this can release a lot of steam and moisture into the air. When it comes to humidity, the air in your house can contain too much moisture. This is especially true in bathrooms as we use hot water there. This hot water creates dampness that adds moisture to the air. This increases the humidity level. Bathrooms are notorious for high humidity levels, which can lead to condensation and mold. To protect your home’s other rooms from dampness, install a bathroom fan.
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What is humidity?
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It’s commonly measured as a percentage, and the scale runs from 0% to 100%. A relative humidity level of 70% is normal in a well-ventilated room, and a level below 60% is often considered “sunny” and feels dry to the touch, while above 80% and you’re likely to see condensation on windows, mirrors and other shiny surfaces.
A high level of humidity in the air can lead to the following issues:
Mold growth and mildew: Molds and mildew thrive in an environment with a high level of humidity. If you have a mold problem, installing a bathroom fan can help draw moisture out of the air, preventing it from collecting on your ceilings and walls.
Damage to your home’s structure: Water in the air can damage your walls, woodwork and electrical wiring. A bathroom fan will help keep the moisture out of your attic, making it less likely to be damaged.
Damage to your home’s contents: A damaged bathroom can lead to damaged cabinets, drawers and personal belongings. Additionally, mold growth can cause damage to your home’s belongings during and after the fact, such as in carpets, upholstery and walls.
Signs of humidity in your home
Humidity can sneak up on you—particularly if you have high ceilings and walls that absorb moisture. The following are some signs that you have an excess of moisture in your home:
Walls and ceilings that appear damp or foggy: These areas are likely to be the most affected by humidity levels.
Carpets that appear damp or have mildew spots: Indoor carpets are often at high risk of damage from high indoor humidity.
Mildew or mold growth on household items: Mold and mildew are the final stages of high humidity. If you see these signs on any of your household items, it’s time to install a bathroom fan to prevent further damage.
Now that we know the dangers of humid air, let’s take a look at how we can fix this.
How to lower humidity in your bathroom
There are a few different ways to lower the humidity in your bathroom. The easiest way is to install a bathroom fan that vents outdoors. The damp air is transported by the fan outside.
Vents increase airflow into your bathroom, which lowers the relative humidity and helps to maintain a healthy environment.
A bathroom fan works by increasing the amount of air that flows into your bathroom. This increased airflow will not only lower the relative humidity, but it will also help to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Alternatives to a bathroom fan
If you have a window in the bathroom, you can open this up as well. This saves energy. A lot of bathrooms don’t have a window though. It can also reduce privacy. Furthermore, it can be quite cold to open the window during the winter.
Another alternative is a dehumidifier. Bathroom dehumidifiers help to maintain a healthy humidity level in your home. This is helpful for more than just keeping your bathroom comfortable—it can also help to protect your ceiling and other painted surfaces from damage.
Conclusion
There are few things more annoying than walking into a damp and humid bathroom. A bathroom that’s too humid can cause mildew, and condensation and lead to structural damage. Therefore it is important to have a system to remove the humid air from a bathroom. A bathroom fan is a great way to do this.
