Moisture Control
You read here many times about homes being constructed tighter and no or very little exchange of outside air is possible unless the home is equipped to bring in outside air. In homes today with them being so tightly constructed or older homes that have been updated to be more energy efficient greater attention needs to be paid to ventilation for control of moisture.
All vents from the kitchen, baths and laundry rooms should vent to the outside of the home to prevent moisture buildup. In older homes a lot of the exhaust fans vent directly into the attic. This can cause problems from rot to insulation being ineffective (wet insulation does not insulate), so be sure to retrofit any exhaust fans to the exterior of the home.
One thing you want to keep in mind if you have a lot of plants in your home 99% of the water you put on the plants will end up in the air in your home. We also add moisture to our indoor air when we breathe, shower, and cook. With the tighter constructions of homes today we have to manage the moisture in the home to prevent damage to the structure. One easy way is to use the exhaust fans they do not do any good if they are not used. If needed you can buy a dehumidifier to dry the air in your home. This is rarely needed in older homes.
Energy efficient is good, but green is better. Thinking of buying a home? Talk to an EcoBrokerâ and make an informed decision. 210-316-4555