High humidity can lead to mold growth, warped doors and materials around your house, and discomfort. It’s detrimental to the structure of your home because it can eventually deteriorate materials. Let’s take a look at how you can reduce humidity in the home.
What is the Ideal Humidity Level?
A range of 30-50% is the ideal humidity level inside a home. When it increases, the environment becomes uncomfortable and can contribute to mold, wood rot, and other structural damage. High humidity might even increase allergies, bad sleeping patterns, and respiratory issues.
How to Tell if There is Too Much Humidity in Your Home
You may feel elevated levels of humidity because the air feels sticky. You may notice condensation on mirrors or windows. Check the humidity level with a hygrometer. This device measures how much moisture is in the air. Most hardware stores carry hygrometers, and they’re inexpensive to purchase.
Lower the Level of Humidity in Your Home
There are a few easy ways to reduce humidity in the home. Use one or more of the following tactics to make your indoor environment more comfortable.
Use Exhaust Fans
There is a reason why homes are built with ventilation exhaust fans. They circulate air and vent moisture to the outside of the house. Use the fans in your kitchen and bathrooms when cooking and taking showers.
The AC Unit Reduces Humidity in Your Home
An air conditioner helps lessen the humidity in your home, introducing cool air into a room while getting rid of the warm, moist air. Maintain the air conditioner properly and change the filters regularly so it can work at maximum efficiency.
Fix Leaks
Leaking faucets or pipes add moisture to the home’s environment, resulting in higher humidity. Inspect the home for leaks and make repairs immediately.
Hang Laundry Outside
Don’t hang clothes to dry inside the home. The moisture that evaporates from drying clothes will contribute to higher humidity. If you have clothes that can’t be placed in the clothes dryer, hang them outside to dry.
Reduce Humidity in Your Home by Cleaning the Gutters
Keep your gutters free of debris. Clogged gutters are often the culprit when it comes to crawlspace and basement leaks. Remove leaves, sticks, and other debris from your guttering and check that the downspout is extended at least six feet from the home.
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is one of the best ways to reduce indoor humidity. Moisture is removed from the air as it gets cycled through a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers come in smaller portable models or whole-house HVAC attachments.
Sunrise Home Inspection offers home inspection services, including mold inspections, in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Contact us to book an appointment.