2 minute read
HOW TO FIX A HUMID HOME
By Heather Juzenas, Vice President of Marketing & Member Services
If your home feels sticky, stuffy, or uncomfortable this summer, high humidity might be the cause. Excess moisture in the air can increase your energy bills, encourage mold growth, and damage furniture and walls.
The good news is that you can reduce humidity and stay comfortable with a few simple fixes.
Causes of High Indoor Humidity
Just like temperature, the right humidity level is important for comfort at home. While every home is different, experts recommend keeping humidity between 30% and 50%. Higher levels can lead to condensation on windows, musty smells and a constant damp feeling.
Reasons why your home might feel too humid:
Poor ventilation: Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms without proper ventilation can trap moisture inside.
Leaky windows or roofs: Water intrusion from outside raises moisture levels indoors.
Oversized air conditioners: If your AC unit cools your home too quickly, it won’t run long enough to remove moisture.
Daily activities: Cooking, showering and drying clothes add moisture to the air.
Impact On Your Health
High humidity levels make your home feel warmer than the actual temperature. As a result, you may run your air conditioner more than necessary, leading to higher energy costs and more wear on the HVAC system.
Long-term humidity can also lead to mold and mildew growth, triggering allergies, respiratory issues and other health concerns.
Tips For Controlling Humidity Levels
To ensure a healthier, more comfortable environment, there are several simple, low-cost steps you can take to reduce indoor humidity. Consider these DIY solutions.
Use exhaust fans. Make sure your bathroom and kitchen fans vent to the outside, and run them during and after showers or cooking.
Seal air leaks. Check around doors, windows and attic access points. Sealing leaks with caulk or weather stripping can help keep humid air out.
Replace HVAC filters. Replace dirty HVAC filters regularly to improve airflow and help your system remove moisture more effectively.
Clean and repair gutters. Blocked gutters can cause water to pool near your home’s foundation, which raises humidity indoors. Clean and inspect gutters regularly.
Consider a dehumidifier. A portable or whole-home dehumidifier can be a smart investment, especially in basements or other damp areas.
Limit indoor moisture. To reduce the amount of moisture added to the air, try air-drying clothes outside, covering pots while cooking, and taking shorter, cooler showers.
You can reduce humidity levels and enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home with a few easy fixes.
