Ways to Reduce Humidity in the Home

High humidity is typically not enjoyable, especially in the south with warm weather. When it’s infiltrating your home, things can feel downright miserable. To ease the discomfort of unruly humidity levels in your home, get the indoor air quality back to where it needs to be. The ideal range for humidity in the home should be 30-50%. Not only is excessive moisture uncomfortable, but it could damage the home with mold growth and wood rot as well as condensation inside of the walls. You may also experience respiratory problems and sleep interruptions. 

Do you need to reduce the humidity levels in your home? Here’s how: 

Use the Air Conditioner

The HVAC system helps to naturally reduce humidity indoors by bringing in cooler air while taking away the warmer, humid air. Be sure to keep the air conditioner tuned up and perform regular maintenance, such as filter changes. 

Utilize Exhaust and Ventilation Fans

If you’re cooking a big meal on a hot stove or taking a long shower, turn on the fans in those areas. Keep them on for a while after you’re done for extra assistance in reducing the humidity. 

Take Cooler Showers

Humid air is a given with hot showers- while they are widely loved, they definitely contribute to high humidity in the home. You don’t need to switch all the way to an ice bath, but try to lower the temperature a few degrees to where you’re not adding steam to the air. 

Look for Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes and faucets are sure to add moisture to the home. If you notice any leaks, fix them right away and wrap the exposed pipes in insulators to prevent condensation from forming. 

Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause indoor water leaks, which will not only add to the humidity, but could create damage to the home. Clean your gutters regularly and make sure the downspout is directed away from your home. 

Open the Windows

Simply popping your window open could lower the humidity levels for a quick fix. However, try to avoid doing this too much while the air conditioner is in use. 

Follow these steps to keep the moisture balanced and for you and everyone in your home to stay comfortable. If you need additional help determining what the humidity levels are in your home, you can purchase a hygrometer from your local hardware store to measure the moisture in the air.