Tiny houses are becoming more popular but many people tend to forget that issues you have inside average-sized houses are still present in tiny homes. One of the main issues affecting tiny houses is mold, mildew, and other irritants caused by improper indoor humidity levels. Keep reading to learn more about humidity issues in tiny homes and what you can do to prevent them.
Humidity Issues in Tiny Homes
The ideal indoor humidity level is between 45% and 50%. Too high, and you're creating a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and more. Too low, and there's a possibility the viruses may lead to uncomfortable respiratory symptoms. An improper humidity level in your tiny home can lead to a host of other issues including:
- Health issues like irritated nasal passages, dry skin, and more.
- The build-up of mold and mildew on your home's surfaces.
- A wet interior, including condensation on windows, walls, ceilings and more.
What If You Find Mold in Your Tiny House?
Tiny houses are especially susceptible to moisture issues that lead to mold growth. That's why the first step is to address the issue, remove and clean up the mold before moving on to prevention. If you suspect your tiny house may have mold issues but aren't completely sure, consider using a mold testing kit to first determine the presence of mold in your home. Once you've determined there is mold in your home, you need to remove it. Using a cleaner that's designed to kill mold and mildew on contact, and prevent it from reoccurring, is essential.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Humidity and Mold Issues?
Luckily when it comes to addressing humidity issues in tiny houses, there are several different products and resources to help you out.
Tiny House Humidifiers
In the winter the problem isn't having too much moisture but too little. A humidifier is a great option for adding soothing moisture to your house. Humidifiers have several benefits for tiny homeowners:
- Comforting Moisture: The moisturizing mist of a humidifier soothes breathing passages affected by dry winter air.
- Home Interior Protection: Regularly running a humidifier will help to protect your wall paint, wood flooring and more.
- Static Electricity: Eliminates unexpected shocks and prevents damage to electrical equipment.
The typical tiny house is 500 square feet or less in size. Finding the right humidifier is going to be pretty easy. You most likely can get away with just using a tabletop humidifier that's designed for spaces up to 500 square feet. Check out our Cool Mist vs. Warm Mist Humidifiers article to find out your options.
Tiny House Bathroom Fans
Just like in traditional houses, the bathroom in your tiny house is going to need a ventilation fan to remove moisture, eliminate heat build-up, reduce humidity levels, and combat odors. Bathroom fans are designed for ventilating and removing moisture from bathrooms, helping to eliminate the potential for mold and mildew growth. With products designed for spaces as small as 50 square feet, finding the right one for your house is easy.
Tiny House Dehumidifiers
When summer rolls around, it's time to consider a tiny house dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers not only keep you comfortable in the summer by removing excess moisture, but they'll leave your air healthier and may even make you feel a little cooler. Indoor humidity that's too high can lead to:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Poor Indoor Air Quality
- Aggravated Allergies
Dehumidifiers vary in size, moisture removal capacity, and features. When shopping for a tiny house dehumidifier, it's best to let your home size be your guide. Most tiny homes are going to be served by choosing a dehumidifier that can cover around 500 square feet.
Questions?
Want to find out more about the right indoor air quality solutions for your tiny house? Contact one of our product experts at 1-800-934-9194.
