Category: Housing

Hotline Resources

Liz Meimann 2 Comments

Sometimes, even in this day of Google searching and networking, it is hard to find the answer to a question.  I’ve listed hotline numbers for Iowa and Minnesota that may be helpful.  Remember that AnswerLine is only a phone call away if you don’t see a resource for the question that you have.

Iowa Concern (800-447-1985)

  • Financial questions, legal issues, family transitions
  • Phones are answered all hours, all days
  • TTD (Telecommunications Device for Deaf Persons) (800-735-2942)

AnswerLine (800-262-3804)

    • Questions relating to home and family
    • Relay Iowa (TTY) 800-735-2942
    • Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
    • Email questions to answer@iastate.edu

The MN Bed Bug Hotline 612-624-2200 or 1-855-644-2200
The bed bug hotline at the University of Minnesota can:

  • Provide information on bed bugs
  • Suggest ways to reduce the number of bed bugs in your home
  • Provide advice on selecting a Structural Pest Control Company
  • Recommend steps you can use to avoid bed bugs in your everyday life and while traveling.

www.bedbugs.umn.edu   |  Search: Lets Beat the Bug @letsbeatthebug

Minnesota Farm Information Line  800-232-9077

Minnesota agriculture and small acreage farm questions

  • Referrals made to local Extension Agriculture Personnel when available
  • Will answer some horticulture questions
  • Available: 8:30-1:30 Monday through Friday

Water Resources Center 800-322-8642

General water information and research information about water quality, shorelines, drinking water, and sewage and septic system questions.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

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Cleaning, Consumer Management, Food Preparation, Food Preservation, Home Environment, Housing, Laundry, Nutrition
2 Comments on Hotline Resources

Humidity inside the home

Liz Meimann

One of the calls we get a lot is, “what is the ideal humidity inside my home this time of the year”? During the winter, when outside temperatures are below freezing, humidity levels can range from under 10% to above 60%. Either end of the spectrum can cause problems inside your home.

If the humidity is too low, you may experience:

  1. Dry nasal passages
  2. Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
  3. Static electricity buildup—shocks
  4. Dry joints in furniture

If the humidity is too high, you may see:humidity

  1. Damp spots on ceilings or on the inside of exterior wallsimage
  2. Water, frost, or ice on the inside of windows
  3. Blistering paint on walls
  4. Fungus, mold, and mildew—especially in areas that have inadequate air circulation like inside of a closet.

The “correct” humidity level varies according to which expert you consult.  A humidity level of 40% likely won’t cause problems when the outside temperature is above freezing.  When the temperature drops below freezing you may experience condensation on windows at that same humidity level.  At that temperature, a level of 30% moisture likely won’t cause problems. Below zero, a more common “safe” level of humidity would range from 20-25%.

This winter, you may want to try a dehumidifier if you notice moisture problems inside your home.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

Home Environment, Housing
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Ice Dams

Liz Meimann

Just what is an ice dam?

It is a ridge of ice sitting on the edge of a roof that prevents the drainage of snow melt. This backed up water can leak into the house and damage ceilings, walls, and insulation. Ice dams form when the lower surface of a roof is below 32°F and the upper surface is above that temperature. These temperature differences must remain in place for a prolonged time in order to have an ice dam form. As the snow melts, the dripping water freezes on the lower surface of the roof. The buildup of ice forms the dam; water trapped behind the dam seeks any crack or opening and will flow into the home.

Steps to take when you find an ice dam on your roof:

  1. Get the remaining snow off of the roof.  Use a “roof rake” or push broom but be careful not to damage the surface of the roof.
  2. Make some channels for the water to flow through using a hose.  Work from the lower edge of the dam upwards.  The channel will be a temporary solution, but will help in the case of an emergency. ( water pouring into your home)

Preventative measures:

  1. Prevent the flow of warm, moist air into the attic space.
  2. Seal air leaks between the house and attic.
  3. Consider increasing insulation to cut down on heat loss from the heated space in your home.
  4. Take a look at the natural attic ventilation.  This can help dry the attic and remove heat buildup in the summer.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

Housing
Leave a Comment on Ice Dams

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Email: answer@iastate.edu
Phone: (Monday-Friday, 9 am-noon; 1-4 pm)
1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa)
1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota)

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