Humidity is uncomfortable, so it is only natural that you want it to go away. Normally, the body produces sweat to cool off as the air evaporates, but the humidity makes this hard. The mixture of heat and humidity makes your skin sticky. Humidity also promotes mold and mildew growth, which can cause damage to your home and your health. The following article will show you how to reduce humidity in your home so that you can stay comfortable this summer.
How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home Using the AC
One easy tip is to use your AC to help ventilate your home. Ventilation helps circulate air to increase evaporation, which is going to help remove moisture from the air. If you’re wishing to reduce humidity in your home, remember that running your AC is just part of the battle. For one, remember to switch your AC’s “dry” mode on to make sure you are not adding additional moisture to your home. Supplementing your air conditioner with a portable dehumidifier helps rooms that tend to get more humid, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
You should also make sure that you change your air filters often. A clogged filter makes it tough for the AC to circulate air, which is key to reducing humidity. All you have to do is switch your filters when it is necessary. Experts recommend replacing these filters every 30 days, but some can last up to two months.
Reduce Humidity by Controlling the Moisture
It is important to learn about moisture when you are learning how to reduce humidity in your home. Ventilation is one tool in your arsenal against humidity, but you also need to make sure that your actions are not adding to the problem. There are a number of everyday tasks that make humidity worse.
Some people take long, hot showers and this increases moisture in the air. Those who are serious about learning how to reduce humidity in your home effectively will have to commit to shorter and cooler showers. The colder the shower, the better it is for you. Make sure the fan is turned on when you shower or that a window is open, and that any water splashed on the floor is wiped dry after showering.
Another chore that worsens humidity is air-drying your clothes inside. Some people want to save energy but also don’t want to display all their clothes outside on a clothesline, so they let them dry on a rack inside. This is great for the environment since you are not using a dryer, but it encourages indoor humidity.
Finding and Addressing the Hidden Issues
Those who want a comfortable and moisture-free home may want to hire a home inspector. Some of you may be wondering how an inspection can help you learn how to reduce humidity in your home, which is understandable. The reason these are related is that there could be hidden issues that are allowing moisture in your home. A home inspector may discover leaky plumbing, cracks in the foundation, roof leaks, or other vulnerable areas where water is getting into your home. All of these items increase the amount of moisture and also may cause structural damage, mold, and health problems.
These are just some of the steps you can take to reduce humidity in your home. If you follow this advice, you’ll be well on your way to a cool and comfortable home!
AAA Home Inspections provides home inspection services and mold inspections, testing, and remediation to homes in Central and Northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule your appointment.