Moisture Control

Replace indoor air with outdoor air and improve circulation by regularly opening windows, using fans where appropriate, and opening doors between rooms.
Avoid moisture build up during household activities such as washing, cooking or having a shower by using fans or opening windows.
Check all rooms for condensation, wet spots, and mould growth. Pay special attention to carpets on concrete floors and the space behind furniture items along outside walls. Replace carpets with alternative floorcoverings and move the furniture, if necessary.
Clean and dry any wet or damp spots within 48 hours to avoid mould growth.
Raise the room temperature if necessary to avoid high humidities and condensation.
Use room dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot and humid conditions.
Turn off humidifiers if you notice moisture on room surfaces.
Check and clean drip pans of appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioning units and room dehumidifiers to avoid overflowing.
Wipe off condensation droplets that form on window frames
Don't store firewood indoors as its moisture content may contribute to indoor humidity.
An unheated cellar and unventilated attic or crawl space is likely to have a moisture problem.
Purchase a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. A level of between 40 and 60% is ideal. Simple and inexpensive instruments will generally do the job.

Biological pollutants and insect pests thrive and rapidly multiply in moist conditions. High humidity and the resultant moisture are a major reason for excessive allergens, bacteria, viruses and fungal spores in our indoor air. Besides the potential health problems, excessive moisture can also result in damage to the building structure. It is, therefore, very important that we practice some form of moisture control. In most cases this isn't an elaborate task, as many simple measures, such as improved ventilation, are usually sufficient. The task is even easier if the building in which you live has been designed to prevent moisture entry and has strategies that allows humid air to escape.

Fix leaks and seepage promptly.
Build an energy-efficient home, because such a construction will have many of the moisture-control methods automatically incorporated.
Ensure the home design includes the use of proper vapor barriers, especially when carpets are to be laid over concrete floors.
Install exhaust fans in 'wet' rooms and the kitchen.
Plan simple ways to ventilate the rooms.
Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
Don't install carpets or other water absorbent flooring material in areas where water splashing may be a problem (bathroom, kitchen, laundry etc.).
Insulate potentially cold surfaces such as exterior walls and cold water pipes.
Ensure moisture can drain away form the building, including the rainwater from downspouts.
Crawlspace should be well ventilated. If moisture is still a problem, place overlapping plastic covers over the ground.
Seal any cracks or joints in the foundation or wall.
Heaters and radiators should be strategically placed to provide the best warm air circulation in rooms.
Don't plan to locate furniture items on walls that are potentially cooler than the rest of the room, such as non-insulated exterior walls.

Article submitted by Manfred Kaiser