Name: Bounds Heating & Air
Address: 25645 West, Newberry Road, Newberry, FL, 32669
Telephone: 352-472-2761

6 Habits That Will Make Your Florida Home Less Hot And Humid

As a Florida resident, it’s probably no surprise to you that Florida ranks #2 on the list of states with the highest relative humidity. One problem is that all the moisture in the outdoor air can easily build up indoors as well, decreasing your comfort while increasing your cooling costs and risks of pest and mold issues.

6 WAYS TO DECREASE YOUR HOME’S RELATIVE HUMIDITY

There are multiple ways to make the air less hot and muggy inside your home. Just use these tips from our HVAC and indoor air quality experts!

1. Don’t turn your AC off completely while you’re away from home.

Humid air isn’t just uncomfortable. It also takes more energy to cool, which translates into higher cooling costs.

If you shut off your AC completely, it has to spend a ton of energy returning your home to your desired temperature while also removing all the built-up humidity. Instead, turn your thermostat down, but allow your AC to run periodically while you’re away.

2. Use your bathroom fan or open a window to let out humidity.

Bathing and showering can add a lot of moisture to your indoor air. Counteract this problem by turning on your bathroom fan and letting it run for at least 30 minutes after you’re done bathing or showering. If you don’t have a bathroom fan, crack a window instead.

3. Turn on your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking on the stove.

Using your stove can create steam that can make your kitchen humid, especially when performing activities like boiling pasta or stir-frying vegetables. Switch on your kitchen’s exhaust fan to suck up the moisture.

4. Set your dishwasher to the “no heat” dry cycle.

Your dishwasher can add a lot of humidity to your indoor air during its normal heated dry cycle. Avoid this by using its “no heat” dry cycle setting. You might need to towel off a few dishes before putting them in the cupboard, but your home will feel less humid, and you’ll also reduce your energy consumption as an added bonus!

5. Wait to run your clothes dryer until the evening.

Your clothes dryer is another appliance that can increase your home’s relative humidity. For this reason, it’s best to run it later in the day when the weather has cooled off a bit so that your AC won’t have to work so hard to keep your home comfortable. Your AC will use less energy, and you’ll save money.

6. Install a dehumidifier.

If your home has severe problems with excess humidity, consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier. This device regulates your home’s relative humidity so that you can prevent hazards like mold and mildew growth.

As Gainesville HVAC experts, we know how to get the heat and humidity out of your home. Contact Bounds Heating & Air today for any and all of your HVAC and indoor air quality needs by calling (352) 472-2761.

Humidifiers vs. Dehumidifiers: When Should You Use Them?

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are essential for keeping indoor humidity within healthy levels, especially if you live in an area that experiences humidity extremes. Your HVAC repair expert, Bounds Heating and Air takes a closer look at humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and when you should use them.

Differences Between Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

There are several factors that affect humidity levels in a home: proximity to bodies of water, weather, and even daily activities such as washing the laundry, cooking, and bathing. Basically, humidifiers and dehumidifiers control moisture levels in the air. The former increases humidity, while the latter decrease it.

There are several types of humidifiers available. The simplest of these, called warm mist humidifiers, boil water and release steam into the room. Aromatic or antibacterial compounds can be added to the water. Cool mist humidifiers are devices that blow moisture using evaporative fans, diffusers, or ultrasonic membranes.

Dehumidifiers can either use materials that absorb moisture, like desiccants, or condensation. Air conditioners belong to the latter category, as an AC pulls moisture from the air to a lesser degree. Note that the more complicated the humidifier or dehumidifier is, the more likely it will require regular HVAC maintenance from experts like Bounds Heating and Air.

Why Should You Use a Humidifier or a Dehumidifier?

The ideal humidity level is between 30% to 50%. Humidity outside these levels allows mold, mildew, and the flu virus to thrive. If the air is too dry, you’ll notice signs such as chapped lips and dry and itchy skin. Too wet, and you’ll notice signs like frizzy hair and cold, clammy bed sheets. If you have items like books or wooden musical instruments, then keeping the humidity within ideal levels at all times is important. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels in your home, which can help you decide if you need a humidifier or dehumidifier.

For help in buying a humidifier or a dehumidifier, or to get air conditioning repair services, call Bounds Heating and Air today at 352-472-2761. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve Alachua, FL, and surrounding areas in Florida.

Category: Dehumidifier