Space is limited in a tiny house. And when it's hot and humid outside, all that extra body heat and moisture can make your home feel stuffy. Additionally, some of your everyday activities, poor ventilation, and leaks can increase humidity levels in your tiny house.

While it may be tempting to overlook a humidity problem, the build-up of moisture can cause all sorts of problems, from mold to musty odors. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your tiny house feeling fresh and dry.

In this blog post, we'll share reasons why your tiny house is so humid and tips for combatting it. So if you're wondering how to get rid of that sticky feeling, read on!

Everyday activities

Some of the simple things you do every day, such as cooking, washing your clothes, or even taking a shower, can increase the humidity in your home. When these activities produce steam, it can quickly build up and cause the humidity level to rise.

Use your windows and a dehumidifier

To help combat this, try to do these activities in the morning or evening when the humidity is lower. You can also open a window or door to allow the steam to escape. And lastly, try to use fans or dehumidifiers to circulate the air.

Climate and temperature

If you live in a hot and humid area, the humidity level in your home is likely to be higher than in a cooler and drier climate. Additionally, if you live in a warm environment, you'll likely need to use your air conditioner more often, which can also increase the humidity level.

Use appliances such as fans or dehumidifiers

There is not much you can do to prevent humidity caused by the climate or temperature. However, you can reduce the humidity level with fans or dehumidifiers.

Poor ventilation

When the air in your home isn't circulated, it can quickly become humid. High humidity occurs more in tiny houses, where the limited space can make it difficult to air out the rooms. And if you seal off your home, it can be even more challenging for the humidity to escape.

Improve your ventilation system

The best way to combat poor ventilation is to ensure your home has proper ventilation. You can do this with fans or by opening windows and doors. You can also install exhaust or vents fans in the bathroom and kitchen.

Leaks in the plumbing system

Water leaking into the walls or floor can increase the humidity level in your home. Water vapor can easily infiltrate porous materials like wood and make them moist. The moisture also attracts mold and mildew, which can cause health problems.

Hire a professional plumber

If you suspect leaks, have them fixed professionally as soon as possible. House maintenance plays a crucial role in managing humidity levels.

Clutter and lack of storage

A lot of furniture and other items can prevent the air from circulating. Additionally, it can be hard to organize your belongings if you don’t have enough storage space. Lack of storage space can create a cluttered and cramped environment, leading to higher humidity levels.

Remove unnecessary items for more room

The best way to combat humidity from clutter and lack of storage is to declutter your home and create more storage space. You can do this by getting rid of unnecessary belongings, using storage containers and cabinets, and installing shelves.

Construction materials

If your home is made with materials known to absorb moisture like wood, keeping the humidity level low can be challenging. The materials are likely to absorb the water vapor and release it back into the air, increasing the humidity levels.

Use moisture-resistant construction materials

To help reduce the humidity level in your home, you can choose moisture-resistant construction materials, e.g., concrete, bricks, and floor tiles. You can also get a dehumidifier to remove the excess vapor from the air.

Pets

If you have pets, they can contribute to higher humidity levels in your home. They can shed hair, mixing with the water vapor and creating a conducive environment for mold and mildew. Additionally, pets can track in dirt and dust, which can also raise the humidity level.

Clean and take control of your pets

Controlling your pets by keeping them away from where you sleep and eat is the best way to manage this issue. You can also use a pet hair vacuum to remove the hair and dust from your home. Finally, clean your pets and groom them regularly.

Renovations

If you don't give your renovation materials, such as plaster cement, enough time to dry out, it can cause the humidity level in your home to rise. The materials will absorb the water vapor and release it back into the air.

Allow adequate time for renovations

To reduce the humidity level in your tiny house, move out of the house while renovations occur. Then give the renovation materials enough time to dry out before moving back in. You can also get a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture from the air when you move back in. 

Rising damp

Rising damp is a rare occurrence when water vapor rises through the walls and floors of your home. If this happens, it can cause the humidity level in your tiny house to spike.

Seek professional help

If you suspect rising damp, contact a professional to inspect your home and determine the best way to fix the issue.

How do you circulate air in a tiny house?

Here are the most common methods to circulate air in a tiny house.

1. Roof ventilation alternatives

They work by bringing cooler air in from the roof and pushing the hot air out of the house. They are a great way to cool your home and circulate air. 

Some examples of roof ventilation solutions include:

Turbine vents

Turbine vents are wind-powered and work by sucking in air from the outside and blowing it out the top. 

Gable vents

Gable vents are located at the top of the wall and allow air to enter and exit your home.

Ridge vents

Ridge vents are located along the roof ridge and allow air to flow in and out of your home.

2. Window fans

Window fans work by sucking in the cool air from outside and blowing it into the house. 

You can also use window fans to exhaust hot air from a tiny house. There are two types of window fans:

• Inline fans
• Window box fans

3. Portable air conditioners

A portable air conditioner typically sits on the floor and may have wheels so you can move it from room to room. It works by sucking in the hot air from the room and cooling it down before releasing it back into the room. Portable air conditioners are an excellent way to cool your tiny home and circulate air. 

There are three types of portable air conditioners:

Monoblock portable air conditioners

Monoblock portable air conditioners are the smallest type of portable air conditioner. They are typically a single unit mounted on wheels and are best for small rooms.

Split portable air conditioners

Split portable air conditioners are the most common type of portable air conditioner. They consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is mounted on the wall or window, and the outdoor unit is usually installed in a shady spot near the home.

Self-evaporating portable air conditioners

Self-evaporating portable air conditioners are the most energy-efficient type of portable air conditioner. They evaporate the water collected from the air inside the unit, eliminating the need to drain the water manually.

4. Ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are mounted to the ceiling and work by blowing air down into the room. You can also use ceiling fans to exhaust hot air from your tiny house. 

There are several types of ceiling fans that you can use in a tiny house, including:

Standard ceiling fans

Standard ceiling fans are popular because they are affordable and can be installed in most homes, including tiny houses. They typically have a blade span of 36 inches to 52 inches that may differ in different tiny houses.

Low profile ceiling fans

Low-profile ceiling fans are an excellent option for tiny houses because they have a smaller blade span of 24 inches to 36 inches. Their small size makes them less visible and takes up less space.

Smart ceiling fans with lights

Smart ceiling fans with lights are a great option for tiny houses because they allow you to control the fan speed, light brightness, and fan direction. By providing both ventilation and light, they also occupy less ceiling space which is crucial in a tiny house.

Damp & wet ceiling fans

Damp & wet ceiling fans are designed specifically for damp environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They have a higher IP rating to protect them from moisture and are typically made from corrosion-resistant materials.

5. Floor fans

Floor fans are fans designed to sit on the floor. They help keep tiny spaces cool and comfortable while lowering your energy bills. 

There are several types of floor fans, including:

Pedestal fans

Pedestal fans are the most popular type of floor fan and have a base that raises the fan off the ground. The base rise allows the fan to circulate more air and provide more cooling.

Table fans

Table fans are small fans that sit on a table or desk and are perfect for small spaces. They typically have a blade span of 16 inches to 20 inches.

Tower fans

Tower fans are tall, thin fans that occupy less floor space than other floor fans. They typically have a blade span of 32 inches to 36 inches.

6. Install and use your windows

Windows are a great way to cool your tiny house. You allow the hot air to escape and cool air to enter by opening your windows. When installing windows in your tiny house, keep the following tips in mind:

Window size

Windows that are too large will let in a lot of heat, while too small windows will not effectively cool your home.

Window location

Windows on the east or west side of your tiny house will get the most sun exposure.

Window type

You can use several types of windows can in a tiny house, including:

• Fixed windows: These windows don’t open and are typically used in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Operable windows: They are windows that open and allow air to enter and exit your home.

Window Treatments

Window treatments can help keep the sun out of your home and keep your home cool. Some popular window treatments include window blinds, window shades, and window film.

7. Move your house plants

House plants may make your tiny house beautiful and lively, but they also release moisture in the air, increasing humidity. You need to move your plants to a well-ventilated room or outside to avoid high humidity levels indoors.

8. Use a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier cools moisture in the air. This moisture is then collected in a container, and you can use it to water plants or flush down the toilet.