With frequent weather changes during this time of year, there is no telling when high heat and humidity will pose a problem. The team here at Bounds Heating & Air is here to educate you on the causes of high home humidity and how to reduce moisture levels in your home.
Indoor Humidity = Discomfort
Floridians are no strangers to humidity and the stuffy feeling that so often hangs in the air. Humidity not only causes an uncomfortable feeling in your home, it can also negatively affect your health. Humid air causes a slowing of the evaporation of moisture from your body, resulting in an increase in body temperature and even difficulty breathing.
Mold Growth
High temperatures in your home combined with humidity result in an ideal breeding ground for mold growth. Development of mold can be a fast process as mold spores multiply and spread throughout your home. Once mold growth begins, it can become difficult to control. But you can reduce the occurrence of mold spore growth by controlling humidity in your home.
Condensation
One clear sign of high humidity levels in your home is window condensation. When you spot condensation on your windows it is essential to wipe the window dry. Allowing condensation to linger can cause window frame damage, frame rotting, and mold development.
Here’s a few useful tips to help you maintain and lower humidity levels in your home:
- Increase Air Circulation – Running ceiling fans helps with air circulation by drying out standing water within your home. Increasing air circulation will also decrease overall room temperature.
- Check For Water Leaks – Water leaks can be a contributing factor to high humidity in your home. It is recommended to regularly check for leaks under sinks, behind toilets, and in laundry rooms.
- Run Exhaust Fans – Cooking and showering can contribute to high humidity levels. Running exhaust fans avoids buildup of moisture throughout your home.
- Monitor Outdoor Weather – Outdoor humidity will affect your home’s indoor humidity levels. When indoor humidity levels are high and outdoor humidity levels are low it is recommended to open your windows to circulate air and humidity throughout your home. If outdoor humidity levels are higher, it is essential to keep all windows closed as it may throw off levels in your home.
- Home Dehumidifiers – Typically air conditioning units remove humidity from the air, but in some cases you may see that it takes longer to regulate indoor humidity. Home dehumidifiers can help with maintaining humidity levels alongside your A/C unit. With home dehumidifiers, you are able to set your ideal humidity level in your home and the system will help maintain the levels of moisture in your home.
If you have further questions on your home air quality, reach out to the experts at Bounds Heating & Air at 352-472-2761.
