One of the many things I do for my clients, whether they’re buying, selling, or just enjoying their current home, is share tips that make life easier and help protect one of their biggest investments: their home.
Today, I want to share a simple, inexpensive upgrade you can make for under $30 that can save you from major headaches, expensive repairs, and even health concerns later on.
It’s all about controlling moisture in your bathrooms, laundry room, and other high-humidity areas.
Why Moisture Control Is So Important
Uncontrolled moisture can create serious problems over time. I’ve seen homes where:
The wallpaper was peeling off the walls.
Metal air vents were rusting.
The musty smell of mildew greeted you as soon as you opened the bathroom door.
In some cases, the damage was so severe that it actually affected the home’s value and marketability.
The good news? You can prevent many of these issues with one small, affordable upgrade.
The Upgrade: Smart Humidity-Sensing Fan Switches
Most of us forget to turn the bathroom exhaust fan on or leave it running way too long. Instead of relying on family members (or yourself!) to remember, you can install a smart humidity-sensing switch.
Here’s how it works:
The switch monitors the humidity in the room.
When levels rise above a set point, it automatically turns on the exhaust fan.
Once the humidity drops back to normal, the fan shuts off by itself.
No more worrying about teenagers, forgetful spouses, or guests forgetting to turn the fan on. This smart switch does all the work for you!
Pro Tip: These switches are easy to install if you’re comfortable working with basic electrical wiring, but you can also have an electrician swap them out in minutes.
Two Affordable Options I Use in My Own Home
There are plenty of great brands out there, but I’ve personally installed two models by Ortis, both available on Amazon. (Note: I have no relationship with Amazon seller or Ortis and receive no compensation from either)
Comes with a separate remote moisture sensor that you can mount near the shower or tub, so it kicks the fan on right when moisture levels start to rise.
The remote sensor provides faster, more accurate detection in rooms where moisture sources may be further away from switches.
Recommended Humidity Settings for DFW Homes
Here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I’ve found that setting the switches to activate around 50–55% humidity works really well:
This prevents the fans from randomly turning on during normal humidity changes throughout the day.
But it still ensures they kick on quickly when someone starts a shower or runs a load of laundry.
Tip: You can experiment with the settings to find what works best for your specific home and climate.
The Benefits of Automatic Moisture Control
By keeping your humidity levels in check, you’ll:
Help prevent damage like peeling wallpaper and rusted vents.
Reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, which can impact both health and property value.
Extend the life of paint, fixtures, and building materials in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is being quietly protected 24/7.
And you get all this for less than the cost of dinner for two!
A Small Investment with a Big Payoff
Sometimes, it’s the small, simple changes that make the biggest difference in protecting your home. By installing smart humidity-sensing switches, you’ll keep your home in better condition and make it more comfortable for everyone — without ever having to remember to flip a switch.
I’m always looking for practical, affordable ways to help homeowners protect and enjoy their homes. If you found this tip helpful, check out some of my other blog posts for more advice.
And if you ever have real estate questions — whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want to know what your home might be worth — I’d love to be your go-to resource.
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