Humidity control can be tricky, especially in the summer months. Leaving many of our customers to ask ” What Should The Humidity Be In My House? ”
The relative humidity level in your home can affect your comfort level and even your health, so it’s important to get it right. But why are some homes more humid than others? Why is it humid with the air conditioning running? What should your indoor humidity levels be?
While high humidity can be great for your house plants, it probably isn’t comfortable for the humans living in your home. We’ll answer your questions about home humidity levels and provide ways to make your house less sticky.
Why Is My House So Humid?
Several factors can cause high humidity levels in a home. One common reason is that the house is not well ventilated. Without proper airflow, humid air can become trapped inside, leading to condensation on walls and floors. Another common cause of high humidity is water leaks. A small drip from a plumbing fixture or a crack in the foundation can allow moist air to seep into the house.
Houses located in humid climates are more likely to experience excess humidity levels. The moist, warm air outside can seep into the house through cracks and openings. As a result, it is essential to take steps to reduce moisture in the home, such as using a dehumidifier or opening the windows on dry days. By lowering the humidity level, you can create a more comfortable environment and help to prevent problems such as mold growth.
How Humid Should Your House Be?
Most people are familiar with the discomfort of being in a too humid room. Clothes begin sticking to the skin, hair feels frizzy, and it isn’t easy to cool down. However, many people don’t realize that low humidity can be just as damaging to both your health and your home.
The ideal indoor humidity levels are between 30 and 50 percent. Below 30 percent, dry air can cause respiratory problems, static electricity, and wood furniture and fixture damage. In extreme cases, low humidity can even lead to dehydration. Dry winter air can cause these issues since the cold air tends to hold less moisture.
On the other hand, high humidity can encourage the production of mold and dust mites, both of which can provoke allergies and respiratory problems. It can also cause condensation on walls and windows, leading to peeling paint and rotting wood.
As you can see, it’s important to maintain a healthy humidity level in your home. The good news is that there are several ways to do this, including using a humidifier, keeping your air conditioning unit and HVAC system maintained, and properly insulating your home. By taking a few simple steps, you can help create a comfortable and healthy environment for your family.
Why is My House So Humid With the AC On?
When your air conditioning is running, the air inside the home is cooled and circulated. This process also removes moisture from the air, leaving you with dry air. If the humidity levels outside are high, the air conditioner will have to work harder to remove the moisture from the air. As a result, the humidity levels inside the home can become higher than if the air conditioner is not running.
If your air conditioner or HVAC system is not adequately maintained, it can create condensation on the coils, adding moisture in the home. While running the air conditioner can help keep a home cool in the summer months, it is important to monitor humidity levels to ensure that they do not become too high.
Help! My House Gets Humid When it Rains
When it rains, the indoor humidity level can rise for various reasons. One reason is that the air outside is more saturated with water vapor than the air inside your home. When this saturated air enters your home, it raises the relative humidity level.
Rain can cause water to leak into your home through cracks in the walls or roof. This can also raise the humidity level and the risk of mold and mildew growth. To help keep the humidity level under control, make sure to ventilate your home properly and use a dehumidifier if necessary.
How to Make the House Less Humid: Tips for Humidity Control
Too much humidity in the home can lead to various problems, from musty odors and mold growth to peeling paint and warping wood. Fortunately, there are several ways you can be an expert at humidity control.
Use a Dehumidifier
One of the most effective ways to remove humidity is to use a dehumidifier, which can remove excess moisture from the warm air.
Increase Ventilation
Another option is to increase ventilation, which will help to circulate and dry out the air.
Take Care of Cracks and Leaks Promptly
It’s essential to keep an eye on potential sources of moisture, such as leaks, and address them promptly.
Have Your Air Conditioner Maintained Regularly
Have your air conditioning unit regularly maintained to condition the air and not add moist air inside.
Update or Replace Old Home Insulation
In older homes, outdated insulation can also be a source of moisture. Updating or replacing old insulation can help to reduce the risk of excess humidity.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your home’s humidity level in check and create a comfortable and healthy environment for your family.
How to Improve Humidity Levels Based on Season
According to the EPA, optimal humidity levels in the summer are under 60% and between 25 and 40% in the winter. Installing a hygrometer or a thermostat with a humidity sensor will help you keep tabs on the levels in your home. Since heating costs account for 34% of all utility usage in the U.S., we’ll start with tips for staying comfortable in the winter.
During Winter
- If you’re considering an overhaul of your heating and cooling system, a whole-home humidifier can improve indoor air quality add humidity through your ducts to the entire house.
- For a simpler solution, individual room humidifiers let you keep each room just the way you like it.
- Want to go low-tech? If your indoor humidity levels are low, try placing a pan of water on a wood stove or near radiators to let the water evaporate into the air at the source.
During Summer
In the summer, the easiest way to remove humidity and moisture levels in the air is to run the air conditioner or use a dehumidifier. Of course, that eats up energy, too. Here are some ways to keep humidity levels low when it’s hot.
- Use fans to help keep air moving. This will help keep air slightly cooler while helping you feel more comfortable at higher temps and humidity levels.
- Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate. Always make sure to run exhaust fans in the bathroom during baths and showers and in the kitchen while you’re cooking to vent excess steam.
- If you have a lot of houseplants, move a few outdoors for the season. One or two might not have a huge effect, but a dozen in one room is enough to affect humidity levels.
Keep Your House Comfortable Year-Round
Air that is too humid can cause many problems in the home, from mold and mildew growth to musty odors. On the other hand, too dry air can lead to respiratory problems, static electricity, and cracked dry skin.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution for keeping humidity levels under control: Energy Monster. Energy Monster offers a variety of services designed to help keep humidity levels comfortable all year long. Thanks to our years of experience and cutting-edge technology, we can provide customized solutions for our customers. So if you need help controlling humidity in your home or office, contact our team and make an appointment with a friendly energy expert today.