Moisture and Home Energy Conservation: How to Detect, Solve and Avoid Related Problems.

Moisture problems are identified as an important element in home energy conservation programs. A systematic approach to understanding, recognizing, solving, and preventing moisture-related problems is offered in this four-section report. Section I examines the root of moisture problems. Section II discusses symptoms and causes of excess moisture and basic solutions to the problem. Section III considers preventative and correction techniques (including vapor retarders, ventilation, drainage improvement, dehumidification, and insulation). Section IV describes a moisture audit process. Appendices contain moisture tests and tools, suggested readings and references, lists of new products, and selected Department of Energy Appropriate Technology Small Grants Program awards related to moisture. (ML)