Winter can be tough on your beloved residence! The cold, the melting snow, the difference between the outdoor and indoor air temperature can all lead to all kinds of minor issues.
And this may cause you and the home’s other occupants to feel uncomfortable; however, these complications can be remedied!
Unpleasant Air Infiltrations
Can you sense a cold draft in one or more different areas in your house? This is a sure indication that there are gaps in the door and window frames, or even in the electrical outlets, letting outdoor air in.
Your property may be new, yet air infiltrations can still occur! Not only is feeling this draft inside your home unpleasant, but it will also result in hefty heating bills!
POSSIBLES SOLUTIONS:
- Draft-proof the door frames. Various materials are available at the hardware store.
- Install insulating door sweeps at the bottom of the doors.
- Install plastic insulating film over your windows. This product is just effective on patio doors. In fact, the windows are a home’s primary source of energy loss!
Perpetually Foggy Windows
This winter problem can occur as much in old houses as in recently constructed buildings. Indeed, fogging happens when windows are either poorly insulated or, on the contrary, completely airtight! Since little air can escape, the humidity level is higher, causing condensation.
POSSIBLES SOLUTIONS:
- Run the range hood when cooking, the air exchange system regularly and the bathroom fans.
- Crack open the windows (unless it is freezing outside!).
- Have a heat pump installed.
- Replace the windows with a triple-glazed model.
- Position the heating below the windows and leave the curtains and sheers drawn as often as possible.
Drying Ambient Air
Certain types of heating dry out the air which may mildly irritate the respiratory tract or dry out the skin and lips. It also contributes to the proliferation of bacteria and reduces air quality.
POSSIBLES SOLUTIONS:
- Use a humidifier in the different rooms to add moisture to the air.
- Install radiant heating (heated floors).
- Regulate humidity levels with an air exchange system.
- Open the windows every day to allow the air to circulate.
Startling Mould
When there is too much humidity in a house, chances are mould is present, usually in the bathrooms and basement. This problem may lead to dangerous health issues for the property’s occupants, especially those with respiratory disorders.
The source of this excess moisture may be water damage or a possibly hidden leak (between the wall insulation and foundation, for example). Moreover, know that foggy windows could be a sign of mould! Alternatively, you will detect an earthy smell and see green or black stains on surfaces such as the walls and ceiling.
POSSIBLES SOLUTIONS:
- Constantly run the range hood and bathroom fans, particularly when you take a shower.
- Install a dehumidifier (however, this may not fully solve the problem).
- To prevent steam from condensing inside the walls, installing a well-sealed vapour barrier may prove effective.
- Insulate the end joist (by a professional).
- Use polyurethane spray foam insulation inside the walls.
If you think you aren’t handy enough to carry out such improvements yourself, don’t hesitate to contact the proper expert companies. Happy winter!