How to reduce the humidity in my home?
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I live in a 1200 sq ft. mobile home and heat with electric space heaters. I do not tolerate forced air due to severe chemical sensitivities (it is propane), so all grills and ducts are blocked off. The humidity in my home runs between 40 – 50 % which is too high. I keep it closed up tight to keep out wood smoke and dryer sheets from the many close neighbors that I have. I am interested in the eGO for my laundry room, and wondering if the air coming in and out can be filtered with more than what it comes with. I am also open to other suggestions. I live in a cold snowy winter climate which is moderate and dry in the summers, 6200 elevation. Thank you.
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Replies
I don't know about filter options for the eGO system--perhaps others will chime in. I have neighbors with smoky wood stoves too, and I opted to get a Zhender HRV system because it has good particulate filters built in (and you can get better ones), and because they offer the option of installing a charcoal filter in addition. It was very expensive, but it's probably possible to add a charcoal filter on another lower-cost HRV system. It's best to put the charcoal between the HRV and the supply ducts, rather than before the HRV, so that the air going through it is pre-warmed and thus at lower relative humidity. The charcoal filter works better at lower humidity.
Sounds like you may just need a dehumidifier. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best.
Suzanne,
First, you need to identify the sources of the moisture. Is your clothes dryer vented to the exterior? Do you have a bathroom exhaust fan that works properly, and do you use it during and after showers? Do you do a lot of cooking? Do you have houseplants or fish tanks?
Once you know the sources of moisture, you can come up with a plan to address the issues.
If you have a bathroom exhaust fan that works properly, you can run the bath fan for 24 hours a day during the winter and during any time of year when the weather outdoors is cool and dry. Don't use this method during hot, humid weather, however. Operating a bath exhaust fan during cool or cold weather will lower your indoor relative humidity.
As Nate says, if you need to address high indoor humidity during hot summer weather, you may need an air conditioner or a dehumidifier.
Martin says, "If you have a bathroom exhaust fan that works properly, you can run the bath fan for 24 hours a day during the winter and during any time of year when the weather outdoors is cool and dry"
That will address the humidity problem but will draw in the smoky air from outside that is problematic.
A dehumidifier is a fine option for addressing humidity even in the winter, as it will actually be a more efficient way to heat then the electric baseboards are. But the humidity might be a symptom of not enough ventilation, and so providing filtered ventilation air might be a good idea.