“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”
It’s an old saying, but it holds some truth to it. If your home is feeling hotter than normal, even though your air conditioner is blasting cool air all day long, you may have high humidity levels at home. It’s not unheard of in the Washington, DC, area, and the surrounding communities. Today, we’ll provide you with some free tips to lower your home’s humidity and automatically feel cool again!
Why is High Humidity Dangerous?
Too much heat and moisture in the air isn’t comfortable or healthy for you and your family, but it’s the perfect climate for mold, mildew, and a host of other bacteria to thrive in. It can also warp wooden floorboards, cabinetry, and furniture you have at home. Comfort consultants and experts agree that healthy humidity levels range from 30 to 60 percent.
How Can I Lower the Humidity in My Home?
- Turn On the Air Conditioner: Your most important summertime home appliance functions as a part-time dehumidifier too.
The important thing to remember is that you have to take care of your air conditioner or it won’t function properly! Change air filters as directed, clean the indoor and outdoor units of debris, and schedule regular air conditioning maintenance with a Magnolia technician.
- Use Your Vent Fans in High-Humidity Areas: Your kitchen and bathroom are exposed to more heat and humidity than any other part of your home. When you’re cooking a meal or taking a shower, make sure you run the exhaust fan to help air out the room. This will dry the moisture in the air as it is being produced. Leave it running for another 10-15 after you’re done using the kitchen or bathroom, then turn it off.
- Seal Duct Leaks: Did you know that 20 to 30 percent of treated air escapes your home because of holes or scratches in the ductwork? This is called an air leak or duct leak, and it should be remedied immediately. Not only is it responsible for inviting heat and humidity back into your home, but it also makes your HVAC system inefficient and expensive to run.
- Fix Plumbing Leaks: The other leak you have to worry about is that of the plumbing variety. Humidity is part heat and part moisture, so don’t feed it by letting a plumbing leak flow undeterred. Contact a Magnolia plumber to inspect your system, fix any hidden leaks, and wrap exposed pipes in insulators to avoid condensation.
- Keep Your Gutters Clean: Clogged gutters can become a homeowner’s worst nightmare when it rains or pours. If your gutters aren’t functioning properly, water damage is imminent and an ally to humidity. Clean your gutters periodically, make sure they’re pointed away from your house, and extend them if necessary!
- Invest in a Dehumidifier: The only surefire way to reduce your home’s humidity levels is to invest in a high-quality dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers can be standalone devices or additions that get installed into your current HVAC system. Either way, they perform the same job: removing moisture from indoor air. The best part is that you get instant gratification because dehumidifiers provide you with fast results!
Don’t let the Washington, DC, humid climate ruin your family’s comfort this summer! Contact Magnolia today for more indoor air quality tips, to purchase a state-of-the-art dehumidifier, or to schedule an AC repair in Washington, DC, and nearby regions.
