How to Combat High Humidity Levels this Summer
Summer is not officially here, but it sure does feel like it outdoors. It’s only a matter of time before the heat makes its way indoors and our ACs are cranked alllllll the way up! But heat isn’t the only thing we have to worry about. There’s also indoor humidity!
Is Humidity Good or Bad?
Let’s start with the basics. What is humidity? Humidity measures how much water vapor is in the atmosphere. When humidity levels are high, there’s a lot of moisture in the air. That’s why the air feels muggy, making it hard to breathe and easy to sweat. Those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, are particularly affected by humid temperatures.
High humidity doesn’t just make your family feel uncomfortable; it can also cause some serious issues to your home, particularly mold growth and HVAC inefficiency.
We’ve all complained about humid days at least once or twice, or a couple of thousand times, when summer rolls around here in Atlantic County, Mercer County, Chester County, or any surrounding areas. But low humidity, when there is not enough moisture in the air, can be as uncomfortable and problematic as high humidity.
Low humidity levels cause air to become extremely dry, making it equally difficult to breathe. Dry air also contributes to dry skin, a scratchy throat, and a chill that doesn’t go away no matter how high you turn up the thermostat.
To achieve the perfect indoor air quality and comfort, humidity levels should be balanced — not too low, not too high. Most people report that the perfect humidity levels lie somewhere between 30 to 50 percent.
What are the Benefits of Home Humidity Control?
It’s not just about your indoor comfort, although that does play a pretty big role.
How Can I Lower Humidity in My House?
INVEST IN A DEHUMIDIFIER: The easiest way to take care of high indoor humidity is to purchase a dehumidifier. These devices can be installed directly into your HVAC system or they can stand alone throughout the house. When your dehumidifier is running, it constantly measures how much moisture is in the air. If the moisture levels rise too much, the dehumidifier will work quickly to correct them.
RUN EXHAUST FANS WHEN NECESSARY: There’s a reason why your kitchen and bathroom are equipped with exhaust fans. They’re the best way to circulate indoor air and help eliminate excess humidity. We recommend turning your exhaust fans on before you start cooking or showering, and leaving them on for an additional 15-30 minutes after you’re done.
CLEAN/CHANGE YOUR AC FILTERS: Such a simple task can help your indoor comfort so much! When your air conditioner filters get clogged, they can trap airflow inside the AC unit instead of circulating it freely throughout your home. This enables humidity levels to rise, making your home hot and your AC ineffective.
FIX PLUMBING LEAKS: It may not seem like a big issue, but even a small leak can contribute to moisture levels. Plus, leaks waste tons of water! Get your leak fixed ASAP by contacting one of our top plumbing repair experts to take care of it.
TAKE SHORTER, COOLER SHOWERS: There’s nothing like a hot shower to wash the stress of a long, hard day away. But the best part of your daily routine may be contributing to your home’s high humidity levels. Try taking shorter showers or lowering the temperature of the water a bit to help reduce the amount of moisture in your indoor air.
Your air conditioner also helps keep your humidity levels in check, as well as keeping you cool throughout the summer. If you need any emergency air conditioning repairs this summer in Chester County, New Castle County, Atlantic County, or any of the surrounding regions, don’t hesitate to contact Hutchinson. We’re here and happy to help!