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Homeowners are often concerned when they notice excessive condensation on windows, or water stains, mold and mildew on walls and ceilings. These symptoms can indicate excess moisture in the home, or they can be a sign of a poorly insulated wall, air leakage, poorly performing windows or extremely cold outdoor temperatures.

There are many possible moisture sources in a home. Some important sources are water leakage from a leaky roof, deteriorated flashing, plumbing leaks or gutters that don't drain properly. Another source is people. An average family of four can add two to three gallons of water per day into the air just through normal living activities such as bathing, dishwashing, cooking and breathing. Other less obvious culprits are unvented exhaust from ranges, ovens, gas fireplaces, clothes dryers and water heaters; plants and green firewood; and hot tubs, fish tanks and wet laundry.

For more information about moisture sources, types of moisture problems and solving those problems, view the Fact Sheet below.
     Controlling Home Moisture Problems

For more information and suggestions about properly ventilating your home, view our fact sheet.
     Ventilating Your Home Fact Sheet

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR helps you improve the comfort, safety, durability and energy efficiency of your home. Our trained professionals can identify the cause of problems within your home (like excess moisture), and provide solutions to these problems.

For more information on the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program, view our fact sheet.
     Home Performance Fact Sheet

or visit the Home Improvement pages on this website.