5 Tips to Keep Indoor Humidity in Check

Humidity is the enemy of comfort. Heavy air makes a room feel hotter than it is. Not only can high humidity make it hard to get a good night’s sleep, but it can also promote mold growth. Even worse, viruses are known to spread easier in humid conditions.

Here are five helpful tips on how to reduce humidity.

Use a Hygrometer to Gauge Current Humidity

Priced at less than $20, a digital hygrometer will prove to be a useful tool in your quest for comfort. A hygrometer takes the guesswork out of determining your home’s humidity levels, which should be between 40 to 50 percent.

This weather instrument is engineered to measure the specific amount of vapor in the air. You’ll know exactly when the humidity is either too low or too high.

A hygrometer is easy to use. After placing the device about three feet from the floor, give it at least a few minutes to detect the temperature of the air. It will then display a readout. However, keep in mind that you should have the device recalibrated every so often.

Take Advantage of Your Ceiling Fans

Ceilings fans are not just for decoration. They can actually help dial down your home’s humidity. During the summertime, be sure your ceiling fans are switched to turn in a counterclockwise direction. Aside from creating a cooling effect, the breeze will also help evaporate excess moisture.

Fortunately, modern ceiling fans do not consume a great deal of energy. You can leave them running throughout the day without worrying about seeing a spike in your utility bill.

Use Exhaust Fans

Any room in your house can suffer from high humidity. However, the kitchen and bathroom are especially susceptible. While you’re cooking and showering, humidity levels can quickly start to rise. This is why you should always run your exhaust fans when doing these activities. Exhaust fans work to pull hot, humid air from the room.

Run Your Air Conditioner

Your central air system cools your home by extracting warm, heavy air, so keep it running! However, several things can interfere with your AC’s dehumidification process.

• Clogged filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow, which is crucial to maintaining your comfort. Change out the filter every 30 to 90 days to ensure optimal performance.
• Closed vents: In order to combat humidity, your AC system needs to distribute air evenly throughout the home. Closing vents to unoccupied rooms will only increase the humidity in those spaces.
• Oversized HVAC system: Your HVAC unit should be sized according to the square footage of your home and British Thermal Units needed to heat or cool the space. Sized correctly, your system will operate for longer cycles, helping to control humidity. An oversized unit, however, will operate in short bursts. That’s called short cycling and it will do little to mitigate heavy, humid air. If you suspect your system is oversized, have it inspected by a professional.

Install a Dehumidification System

Your AC system can’t do it alone. Using it in conjunction with a whole-home dehumidification system is the most effective way to maintain drier air. A dehumidifier can easily remove more than 20 pints of water from the air per day.

While a whole-home dehumidification system should work well, it may not fit everyone’s budget. The good news is that single-room humidifiers are available. They are smaller, more affordable, and consume less energy.

Bottom line: We live in one of the most humid regions in the country. That presents certain challenges when it comes to your comfort. Fortunately, the pros at Universal Home Experts are up to the challenge of creating the perfect indoor climate for your home. To schedule your appointment, call (713) 364-0226.