Get a Handle on Home Humidity

Posted on by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Around this time last year, we wrote about surprising ways to reduce humidity in your home. We hope some of those tips proved helpful. With the recent summer rain, heat, and excess moisture, we thought now would be an ideal time to revisit the issue to help you get a handle on home humidity.

Humidity levels

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air around you. During the summer, humidity levels in your home should measure between 30-50 percent. Humidity levels that are too high or too low can lead to issues with your comfort, health, and home.

Too much humidity prevents the body from regulating its internal temperature, making you and your family feel sticky and uncomfortable. Excess moisture also promotes mold, fungus, and dust mites, which can wreak havoc on allergies and make you sick. Over time, dampness within the home can warp floorboards or furniture and cause wood to rot, resulting in costly repairs.

Conversely, too little humidity causes skin to feel itchy and can dry out the body’s mucous membranes, leading to sore throats, coughing, and nosebleeds. Dryness affects your home, too, when door frames or other features or furnishings made from wood begin to crack, shrink, or bend.

Poor humidity? Here’s how to tell

Establishing a comfortable home environment relies on finding an appropriate balance of air moisture. How do you know if your home humidity levels are out of whack? Look for indicators such as:

  • Condensation. Water beads are visible on the inside of the windows.
  • Constant sweating. You experience persistent perspiration, even after taking a cool shower.
  • Musty smells. You may not be able to see mold and mildew, but you can smell it.
  • Difficulty sleeping. Excess moisture makes the body work harder to cool itself, which can be a challenge when you’re trying to fall or stay asleep.
  • Water spots. Watch for stains on the walls, ceilings, or basement floor, especially after or during a rain shower.
  • Trouble breathing. High humidity can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms.

Regulating home humidity

Summer is sticking around for a bit longer, so make sure you’re enjoying the tail end of the season by staying cool and dry at home. Here are some reminders for keeping home humidity levels low.

  • Use exhaust and ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathroom. Leave those fans on for a short while after you’ve finished cooking or showering to ventilate humid air.
  • Take advantage of your air conditioner. Your A/C unit brings in cooler air while expelling warmer, humid air.
  • Take shorter, cooler showers. The less hot water you use, the less steam and humidity build up in the air.
  • Check your gutters. Keep them free from debris to avoid water buildup and indoor leaks. Also, be sure the downspout is positioned away from your home.
  • Consider investing in a dehumidifier. These portable appliances or whole home systems can help remove moisture from the air.

The experts at WestAIR Heating & Cooling are here to discuss your home humidity concerns and needs. Our technicians can explain how our high-efficiency air conditioners or air quality accessories can help you stay cool and achieve optimum indoor air quality throughout the summer. Contact us today to schedule service.

This entry was posted in Cooling,Humidity,Indoor Air Quality and tagged , , , , , ,

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