Hey everyone, I live in the dry climate of Denver, and I'm dealing with some health issues due to low humidity. A couple of months ago, I started using two large evaporative humidifiers that brought the humidity levels up to around 38% - 42%. It felt great for my breathing and sleep! However, now I'm noticing multiple water stains on my exterior walls and warped siding in several spots. We often see condensation forming on the windows, particularly in the mornings. The only change has been the increased indoor humidity, which hasn't gone above 45%. I'm worried that these humidifiers are damaging my house. Is there a way to manage the water damage without sacrificing my health? My house was built in 1998 and has builder-grade windows, with stains appearing on all sides of the house. The humidifiers are standalone units, not connected to the furnace.
3 Answers
Definitely check your air circulation! Even if your average humidity is around 45%, there might be areas in your house that are more humid. If that warm, humid air makes its way into the walls and meets colder surfaces, condensation will form. You might want to ensure that your house is properly sealed to prevent this from happening.
It seems like the humidifiers might be causing the warping. Once you started using them, the staining and warping appeared, and there hasn't been much rain in Denver lately, so it does raise some concerns. It's not just about the siding but consider the insulation and air flow within your walls.
It sounds like you're dealing with some condensation issues due to poor air sealing in your home. When warm, moist air escapes, it can condense on cold surfaces like your siding, leading to those stains and warping. I'd suggest hiring a company to do an energy audit that includes checking for air leaks. Keeping the humidity levels lower might help too, as that's what many people typically do to avoid this problem.