Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, feels hot, sticky, and uncomfortable, especially in the warmer months. And over time, too much moisture indoors can also lead to mold and mildew and cause damage to walls and furniture. To reduce humidity in your home, here are a few easy steps you can take.
Run the Air Conditioner to Reduce Humidity in Your Home
In addition to cooling your home, an air conditioner reduces humidity by removing the moisture from the air. Some thermostats display humidity levels as well as indoor temperatures. You’ll notice that the humidity level will lower if you keep the air conditioner running.
Use a Dehumidifier to Reduce Humidity in Your Home
A dehumidifier is an appliance designed specifically to combat humidity by removing moisture from the air. Purchase a dehumidifier based on the room’s square footage, and set a reminder to empty the machine of the collected water. Use dehumidifiers in rooms with water sources, like the kitchen and bathroom. Alternatively, install a whole house dehumidifier that works with your HVAC system.
Hang Clothes to Dry Outside
Clothes dryers, though convenient, generate a lot of humidity. And, especially in the warmer months, hanging clothes to dry inside can contribute to a humid environment. To reduce humidity, dry laundry on a clothesline outdoors.
Reduce Humidity in the Home by Taking Cooler Showers
You’ve probably noticed how much steam is generated by a hot shower. Reduce humidity by showering with cooler water. Even reducing the temperature of your shower by a couple of degrees will lessen the amount of condensation created. To further minimize bathroom humidity, shorten your showers by a few minutes.
Open the Windows
For a simple and cost-effective way to reduce humidity, open the window on milder days to air out your home and naturally regulate humidity.
Turn on Ventilation Fans
Turn on the ventilation fans whenever you’re cooking or showering (activities that produce condensation). Keep them on for 15 to 20 minutes afterward to help decrease humidity.
Inspect the Gutters
Gutters should be directing water away from your home, so inspect them to be sure they are functioning correctly. If they’re overflowing, rain can leak under the roofing materials and into your basement, increasing humidity. Overflowing gutters can cause other moisture-related damage, as well.
Northern Florida Home Inspections provides inspection services in northern Florida. Contact us to schedule an appointment.