If humidity in your home is low, and you are getting zapped, you likely have air leaks. Plug them, or get a humidifier. Avoiding condensation within a tight home is not easy, however. You must adjust the humidity down as the outside temperature falls to avoid indoor "rain" on your windows and elsewhere you may not see. Use this relative humidity chart to keep comfortable as the temperature changes.
Whether installing a clothes dryer vent in the basement, wall, or roof, venting exhaust to the outside is a must. These dryer vent tips will help you get the lint out, keep the rain and cold where it belongs, and help you understand and accomplish the task with less personal "exhaust".
Use these clothes dryer vent tables to determine maximum potential distance between your dryer and the clothes dryer vent to overcome friction. Properly connecting a dryer to an outside vent terminal requires attention to the type and length of the pipe, the number of pipe bends and the shape of the dryer vent terminal.
Check these manufacturers to locate retailers for a specialized dryer vent hood for the roof. Since bathroom and exhaust fan manufacturers also make these roof dryer vents, I've had great success locating this great item at light fixture showroom retailers. These clothes dryer vents for the roof are now improved with insect and varmint screens.
Ventilation from natural wind movement through ridge vents and soffit vents will help keep your attic and home cooler. Proper attic insulation and a whole house fan can also save energy costs and add to your comfort.
Determining insulation needs can be tackled with help from the Department of Energy. Try these resources to understand what is needed to bring your insulation r values up to minimum code or higher.
These manufacturer websites offer superb information about ridge vents and soffit vents and a look at an amazing array of attic ventilation products.
Cool your home with a whole house fan when humidity is not high. The trick is coordinating the proper windows to open with the fan to create a comforting breeze. Read these tips on choosing velocity for your whole house fan, some simple maintenance and consider a timer for the most comfort with whole house fan ventilation.
Manufacturers of whole house fans are varied in size. This list of companies and table of whole house fan capacities are geared to help your decision process.
Whole house fan installation can usually be accomplished with minimal attic alterations. Size your whole house fan properly for good ventilation, provide proper exhaust area and adhere to correct electrical code. If you have blown in insulation, follow these tips to install your whole house fan and keep your insulation in place.
Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. Complete the form below and each week you'll get:
Unsubscribe at any time. We respect your email privacy.