8 Reasons Why My Mobile Home Is So Humid & Fixes
Moisture in mobile homes leads to various issues. Cooking, poor maintenance, oversized AC units, closed vents, and more can cause high humidity levels. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and dehumidifiers can help control humidity and prevent mold growth and health problems.
Mobile homes are susceptible to developing moisture for all sorts of reasons. Maybe the home is built poorly, or the inside temperature of the mobile home causes condensation to build up because of the high humidity levels outside.
Let’s look at why your mobile home is so humid and how you can fix it before it plays havoc on the structure and your health.
While you can prevent or reduce some water damage due to humidity, you aren’t going to stop it all.
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1. Everyday activities release moisture
Cooking, cleaning, bathing, and anything else that requires dumping excess water into the air will cause water damage.
Upgrading ventilation and exhaust fans will help suck the moisture out of the air caused by daily activities.
2. Maintenance is important
The washing machine and dryer are two everyday things that can increase moisture in a home.
You will want to conduct regular maintenance on the dryer vent specifically because it can be a two-fold danger.
A poorly maintained dryer vent can cause a fire and cause condensation.
3. Your air conditioner may be too big
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While it doesn’t sound like it should be a thing, it is. The bigger the air conditioner, the more moisture it creates and releases. Oh, the larger the cooling unit, the bigger the bill.
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), any equipment too large for a mobile home will turn on and off frequently, allowing moisture to develop.
4. Your heating and air conditioning vents are closed or covered
Mobile homes are specifically built with floor or ceiling ducts to distribute air. Closing or covering the vents (or registers) throws the system into an imbalance. It leads to the creation of cold spots, which causes the moisture level to climb.
Closets and unused rooms work the same way. If warm air intrudes into a closed room or closet, the air then grows cold enough to raise the humidity level and the likelihood of mold developing.
5. Poor fossil fuel heater ventilation
Hopefully, you’re already venting propane and kerosene heaters since carbon monoxide is a silent killer. But it’s never a bad idea to check the ventilation to make sure.
HUD explains that every gallon of fuel you burn releases a gallon of water vapor into the air.
6. Your heating and cooling filters need cleaning
Filters do more than clean the air of pollutants. A mobile home’s air and cooling filters also remove moisture from the air.
HUD recommends using pleated filters to control dust better and for ideal dehumidification. And they require regular cleaning and replacing to reduce the risk of mold growth due to moisture.
7. Speaking of air conditioning
HUD suggests that homeowners keep the thermostat at 75°F or above. It’s because a colder setting in high-humid environments can cause condensation to build up in the mobile home walls.
75°F during August is not always practical. If you’ve located and fixed other moisture-causing issues, no one can fault you for cranking the air conditioning down during the summer.
8. Bad drainage
Mobile home sites are prone to inadequate drainage. You need to look for puddles, leaks, and other ways water can get under the home.
You may have to have a drain line installed by a professional to keep standing water from building up underneath the mobile home. Or, sometimes, a simple drainage ditch will do.
The dangers of indoor mold
Mold is one of the biggest threats of a high humidity, high moisture environment. While there are various types, all mold is dangerous and can lead to severe health problems.
- breathing problems, including asthma, breathing problems, and chronic lung issues
- allergies
- aspergillosis
- lower repository tract issues, especially in children
- skin & eye irritation
- headache
- nausea
- insomnia
What’s the difference between moisture and humidity?
Moisture is when water is present in some liquid form, while humidity is defined as water vapor in the air.
By reducing the moisture in a mobile home, you can better manage moisture build-up and water damage.
How do I lower the humidity in my mobile home?
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- A dehumidifier is an easy and cost-effective way to pull moisture out of the air.
- Open windows and doors on pretty days to let out the stale air and excess humidity.
- Open the windows or use an extractor fan when cooking is happening.
- Keep up to date on the maintenance and repair of roof gutters.
- Clean up spills and leaks ASAP.
- Repair any and all leaks that you find.
- Check and maintain caulking.
- Try drying your clothes outside. It helps reduce moisture, and it’s environmentally friendly.
- When you find drafts, fill them with insulation.
- Double-glazed windows keep heat indoors and decrease the amount of condensation in the walls.
What should the humidity be in a mobile home?
You want some humidity in a mobile home. Ideally, the humidity levels are between 35% to 50%.
Too little moisture can lead to all sorts of issues.
- static electricity
- makes you more vulnerable to colds and other respiratory problems
- causes dry skin and hair
- promotes germs and virus growth
- damages furniture, paint, electronics, and wooden flooring
How to identify a humidity problem
The earlier you locate the cause of high humidity in your mobile home, the less water damage you will have to repair in the future.
The musty smell won’t go away.
- the walls and ceilings turn a funky color
- the wall, floor, or ceiling starts to swell
- condensation on window glass
- standing water underneath the mobile home
Why is my mobile home so humid?
- When you cook, clean, or do any activity that includes water, it releases moisture into the air of your mobile home.
- Your mobile home’s HVAC system is too big.
- The heating and air conditioning vents are blocked or covered.
- Bad propone and kerosine heater ventilation.
- The filters in your mobile home need cleaning or replacing.
- Bad site prep and grading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of humidity in a mobile home?
To get rid of humidity in a mobile home, you can take the following steps: promptly clean up any leaks or spills, ensure immediate repair of any leaks, utilize a dehumidifier to decrease humidity levels, employ exhaust fans while cooking, bathing, or using the dishwasher, and ensure proper venting of the dryer to the exterior of the home.
Can humidity damage house?
Excessive humidity levels, particularly when the relative humidity consistently surpasses 60%, can lead to various issues within your home. When the air contains an excess of water vapor, mold and mildew can thrive, and the surplus moisture can result in rotting, which can ultimately harm your belongings.
Is mold common in mobile homes?
Mold is a common issue in mobile homes due to the presence of standing water underneath, which can lead to mold and rot if not promptly and effectively addressed.
How do I keep my trailer walls from sweating?
To prevent your trailer walls from sweating, you can take the following steps: – Use the air conditioner to regulate the temperature and humidity levels inside the trailer.- If the weather permits, open a window or ceiling vent to allow for better air circulation.- Increase airflow by using fans or installing additional vents in areas prone to condensation.- Consider running a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.- Utilize moisture absorbers or desiccants to absorb any remaining moisture in the trailer.- Be mindful of activities that generate water vapor, such as cooking or showering, and try to minimize them to avoid adding more moisture to the air.
How do you prevent mold under a mobile home?
To prevent mold under a mobile home, it is important to avoid moisture buildup, especially when it rains. Mobile homes are equipped with skirting around their bases, and if moisture is allowed to accumulate in this area, it can seep into the living space, creating ideal conditions for mold to grow. One effective measure is to install skirting vents, which help prevent the accumulation of moisture.
Do you need a dehumidifier in a trailer?
You should invest in an RV dehumidifier to regulate humidity levels in your trailer as it can prevent damage to electronics and other components, while also reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth and associated health risks.
Why does my mobile home feel humid?
Your mobile home may feel humid due to design flaws and the level of humidity outdoors. If your mobile home is not constructed properly or if the interior temperature creates condensation because of the high humidity outside, it can lead to moisture buildup inside the home.
Is it bad for house to be too humid?
It is not good for a house to be too humid. The optimal level of humidity should be between 30-50%. If the humidity in your house consistently exceeds 50% or falls below 30%, it can pose risks to both your home and your health. Excessive humidity can lead to the growth of harmful mold and mildew, as well as potential structural damage.
How can I keep my mobile home cool?
To keep your mobile home cool, you can consider upgrading the insulation, incorporating shade, maintaining a dry environment, opting for a professional installation of a mobile home cooling system, and utilizing fans to enhance air circulation.
Why is my room so humid compared to the rest of the house?
Some rooms may be more humid than others due to various factors such as weather, ventilation, design, and activity. For instance, a room lacking proper ventilation, such as no windows or blocked air vents, may struggle to receive fresh, cool air, resulting in increased humidity levels.
How do you circulate air in a mobile home?
The way to circulate air in a mobile home is by utilizing the natural ventilation method. To swiftly eliminate stale air, simply open the windows and vents. Air movement and ventilation are facilitated by wind, air pressure, and buoyancy, resulting in natural air circulation.
How do you lower the humidity in a modular home?
To lower the humidity in a modular home, one can begin by maintaining a thermostat setting of approximately 75 degrees in hot or humid outdoor climates. If this method proves ineffective, placing a dehumidifier inside the home during the summer months can effectively regulate humidity levels.
Why is my mobile home so hot in the summer?
The reason why your mobile home gets so hot in the summer is because the outside weather becomes hotter during this season. Consequently, the heat from the outside can enter your mobile home, both directly and indirectly, leading to the increased temperature inside.
How do you ventilate under a mobile home?
To ventilate under a mobile home, one can choose between skirting with built-in ventilation holes or installing solid decorative skirting, such as simulated brick or rock, and cutting in the required vents at regular intervals. It is important to evenly distribute the ventilation openings on all four sides of the home in order to achieve the necessary cross-ventilation airflow.
What are moisture problems in manufactured homes?
Moisture problems in manufactured homes can manifest through various warning signs. These signs include persistent musty smells, discoloration on walls or ceilings, swelling of floor, wall, or ceiling finishes, condensation on window glass, or the presence of standing water under your home.
How do you know if your mobile home has mold?
You can determine if your mobile home has mold by looking for visible signs of mold growth on surfaces. Mold often appears as discoloration, which can be white, gray, brown, black, green, or other colors. However, it’s important to note that mold may not always be visible, especially if it is growing inside walls or building structures.
How do I get rid of the musty smell in my mobile home?
To get rid of the musty smell in your mobile home, you can place a few open containers of household bleach strategically to allow the odors to evaporate and be absorbed. Opt for small, recyclable plastic containers that can be discarded once the bleach crystallizes. However, ensure that the bleach is always kept in an area that is not accessible to children or pets.
