Division of Energy Residential Energy Efficiency - Moisture
Control The word "moisture" refers to water vapor mixed with
air. Most of the moisture generated in the home is dissipated by
the movement of moisture-laden air out of the home. As homes
become more energy-efficient, the number of paths of escape are
reduced, and dealing with moisture becomes more important. How
Moisture Acts in Your Home Moisture in your home is not
necessarily harmful because the humidity of a home affects your
comfort. For example, most people will feel cooler in a room at
75oF and 25 percent relative humidity than in a room at the same
temperature with 40 percent relative humidity. It follows then,
that in the room with the higher relative humidity level, the
occupant will be less likely to raise the thermostat setting in
winter because he or she will feel warmer, thus there will be
savings on the heating bill. Excessive humidity can contribute
to a large number of problems ranging from serious building
damage to extreme discomfo