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Home Maintenance and Energy Guide
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PROPER VENTILATION Home ventilation is extremely important for managing indoor air quality and moisture. Follow these pointers for proper ventilation. Control Moisture Properly controlling moisture is essential. In the winter, use a moisture meter to track your levels and lower the setting on your humidifier(s) if it is too high. The suggested interior moisture level during Wisconsin winters is 30%–40%. Use Spot Ventilation To prevent potential mold, run the ventilation fan in the bathroom while showering or bathing, and let it run for another 20 minutes afterward. Use Your Range Hood While Cooking This will remove moisture-laden air and odors from your home right at their source. If your kitchen does not have a ventilation fan, open a window slightly to help ventilate.
BE WINDOW WISE Interior window condensation is caused by moisture in the house, and it often occurs in the winter when warm indoor air condenses on cold windows. Here are some ways to control it. Run Ventilation Fans More Frequently Reduce moisture inside the home by running ventilation fans in bathrooms. Also, remember to turn on your range hood while cooking. Open the Drapes Closing drapes and blinds lowers the temperature of the glass and will increase condensation. Open window coverings during the day to allow the warm air in the room to warm window surfaces. Turn on the Ceiling Fan If there is a ceiling fan in the room, turn it on. Become familiar with the winter and summer settings on your ceiling fan—it should run counterclockwise in warmer months and clockwise in colder months. Running the fan will force warm air in the room to warm window surfaces. Securely Latch Windows Locking the windows ensures a tight seal, preventing air leakage. Install and Use Storm Windows If you have older windows in your home, using storm windows during the winter months can help reduce condensation on interior panes.
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