High humidity in the house often feels horrible. It is even worse during summertime. When it is too humid, you are hot, sweaty, uncomfortable and generally miserable. Finding a lasting solution to reduce the discomfort is a priority for most homeowners. If you need an expert advice, Air Makers, HVAC Contractor in Toronto will help.
During summer, the ideal indoor humidity is between 30 and 50 percent. Too much moisture is what causes you to feel hot and uncomfortable. It also has damaging effects on your property. This is because too much humidity will cause the growth of mould and create condensation. This subsequently leads to wood rot and general structural damage. Too much humidity may also cause allergy flare-ups, respiratory problems as well as sleep interruptions.
While too much humidity can be bad, air that does not have enough humidity can trigger asthma, allergies as well as damage wood floors. Air that is too dry is a common issue during winter. Maintaining a humidity level of 30 to 50 percent enables you to strike the perfect balance between too much moisture and not enough moisture.
Signs Your House Has Too Much Humidity
Apart from feeling hot, the best way to determine if there is too much humidity is to use a hygrometer. This is an affordable device that measures the levels of humidity in the air. You can get it from the local hardware stores. If the hygrometer says your home has a humidity level of more than 45%, you should consider finding a solution to lower the humidity. But how do you go about that?
How to Lower Humidity Levels in Your Home
Use the air conditioner
The air conditioner helps reduce indoor humidity naturally. It works by introducing cooler air while at the same time removing the warm, humid air. Turning up the air conditioner and changing the filter frequently will help keep the humidity levels under control.
Use ventilation/exhaust fans
When cooking or showering, you should consider using a ventilation fan. While you can turn it off once you are done with your activities, you should leave it on a bit longer. That way, you will reduce any excess indoor humidity.
Take cooler showers
Hot showers lead to more humidity in the air. If your house has a humidity problem, you should make a little sacrifice and start taking cooler showers. You don’t need to switch to cold-water showers but simply lower the temperature of the shower by a few degrees. That way, you will not add a lot of steam to the air. This helps combat humidity problems.
Fix leaking pipes
You don’t want to add more moisture when trying to reduce humidity levels. Leaking faucets and pipes add moisture. Fixing these leaks will help keep condensation from forming. Common signs of leaks include wet spots, stained drywall as well as irregular water bills.
Clean the gutters
Clogged gutters cause rainwater to overflow and spill on your walls and near the foundation. With time, the water finds its way into your house, thus causing humidity problems. Cleaning the gutters and ensuring the downspouts direct water smoothly away from the house will help reduce indoor humidity.
Dry laundry outside
During winter, indoors, a lot of people use drying racks. In summer, the damp clothes will make the house humid. Hanging the clothes on outdoor drying racks or clotheslines will be the best option. You, however, need to check your neighbourhood bylaws before hanging clothes outside. If you must hang clothes indoors, you must invest in a dehumidifier.
Buy a dehumidifier
The best way to reduce indoor humidity is to buy a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air as it passes through. The best thing is when you have a dehumidifier, you don’t need to use your air conditioner as often. This means you will spend less money on cooling.
Move houseplants
While they are beautiful and lively, plants release a fair amount of moisture into the air. If you have a lot of houseplants, you should consider moving some of them outside. Temporary relocation of houseplants to a ventilated room or outside will help you determine if the houseplants are the main cause of moisture problems.
Use charcoal briquettes
The charcoal briquettes can be used for more than barbecuing. They make great dehumidification tools. You need to use a few briquettes and place them in a receptacle; a can or basket will also do. Charcoal absorbs moisture from the air. You need to replace it once every 2 to 3 months.
Open the windows
Opening the windows will, at times, lower humidity levels. You, however, don’t want to do this while the air conditioner is still running.
There are many other solutions you can use to lower humidity levels. However, if the solutions you are using are not bearing any fruits, you should consider enlisting the services of a professional.
