Is your home more humid than you would like? High humidity is a common problem, and even though your AC system may be doing its best to regulate your home’s humidity levels, high humidity can still pose a problem. Excessive humidity is not only uncomfortable, but it can also promote mold growth, damage your furniture, and cause health problems. To manage and address high humidity effectively, you must understand its core causes and what you can do to prevent it.
Common Causes of High Humidity
Climate
One of the key factors influencing indoor humidity is the climate. If you reside in an area with high outdoor humidity, such as a tropical or coastal area, the moisture from outside can easily find its way into your home. This natural infiltration can come through open doors, windows, and even gaps in the structure of your house. During certain seasons, especially spring and summer, humidity levels inside can rise since warm air can hold more moisture than cold air.
Ventilation
Poor ventilation can also result in high humidity levels. Homes that do not have proper airflow can accumulate moisture, which then cannot escape properly. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are especially prone to high humidity due to activities like cooking, washing clothes, and showering. All of these activities can produce high amounts of moisture, and if these rooms are not adequately ventilated, that moisture can build up.
Construction Materials and Insulation
Construction materials and home insulation can also affect indoor humidity levels. Modern homes are typically constructed to be more energy-efficient, which means they are sealed tightly to prevent heat gain or loss. Although this is usually beneficial for energy conservation, it can trap moisture indoors, resulting in higher humidity levels. Conversely, older homes often have problems with humidity seeping in through roofs, walls, or basements due to deteriorated materials and outdated construction practices.
Basement Problems
Your basement, if you have one, may be the reason behind your humidity problems. Since they are below the ground, they are more susceptible to moisture accumulation from the surrounding soil. Cracks in your home’s foundation, a poor drainage system, or inadequate sealing can cause water to seep in, boosting humidity levels throughout your home.
HVAC
HVAC systems can also impact your home’s indoor humidity. AC systems, for example, remove moisture from the air as it cools. However, if your home’s AC unit is too large, it can cool the air too quickly, resulting in a lack of dehumidification. Heating systems, especially those without built-in humidifiers, can dry out air during the winter, creating a drastic contrast when seasons change and the need for cooling arises. This can cause a swing in humidity levels.
Water Damage
Water damage and leaks often cause indoor humidity. Leaking pipes, leaking roofs, or an inefficient plumbing system can cause excess moisture to make its way into your home. Water damage not only increases humidity but can also create an environment prone to mold growth, which can negatively impact your health. To prevent this, you should have your home regularly inspected for leaks and repair them if necessary.
Inadequate Dehumidification System
Malfunctioning or inadequate dehumidification systems can cause humidity issues. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air, but if they are not large enough or functioning correctly, they can compromise humidity levels. Choosing an appropriate-sized dehumidifier is necessary to combat high humidity levels.
Combating High Humidity in Your Home
Addressing high humidity levels requires a comprehensive approach. First, improving your home’s ventilation is necessary. Ensuring there are functional exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms is essential since they expel moist air. You may need to have additional ventilation systems installed, such as attic vents or whole-house fans, which can improve airflow and lower humidity levels.
Insulating and sealing your home properly can stop moisture from entering. Check your home for gaps or cracks in walls, doors, and windows. In basements, applying a waterproof solution and ensuring adequate drainage near the foundation can considerably reduce moisture intrusion. Ducts and pipes should be insulated to prevent condensation as well.
You must also ensure your heating and cooling systems are properly maintained. Make sure your air conditioner is the right size for your living space – this can help maintain the optimal humidity level. During cooler months, a humidifier can prevent air from drying out. This will help balance humidity levels when the summer months arrive.
Keeping track of your home’s humidity levels is important for keeping your indoor living space healthy and comfortable. Hygrometers are relatively inexpensive tools that measure humidity levels, which allows you to make informed changes. The ideal indoor humidity level is usually between thirty and fifty percent. Ensuring your home’s humidity levels are within this range can keep your home’s structure intact, improve overall comfort, and prevent the growth of mold.
When to Call a Professional
If your home continues to suffer from high humidity, it may be time to reach out to a professional. An HVAC home inspector or technician can assess your home for potential sources of moisture and recommend solutions to your specific problem. They can also help address problems that may not be obvious, such as HVAC issues and hidden leaks.
Benefits of Whole-home Dehumidifiers
Whole-home dehumidifiers can provide a number of benefits and improve your comfort, health, and the general quality of your living environment. Here are some benefits of whole-home dehumidifiers.
Comfort
Whole-home dehumidifiers can help create a more comfortable living space for you and your family. Excessive humidity can make your home feel clammy, sticky, and uncomfortable. They can also make it harder for your body to cool down, which can make it feel warmer than it actually is. By reducing the amount of moisture in the air, a whole-home dehumidifier can reduce discomfort caused by high humidity levels.
Improved Air Quality
Dehumidifiers can improve your home’s air quality. High levels of humidity can foster mold growth and mildew accumulation, which can pose health risks and impact air quality. Mold and mildew release spores into the air, causing respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Dust mites also thrive in high-humidity environments. Fortunately, whole-home dehumidifiers can help keep humidity levels in check.
Less Damage
Excessive moisture can damage your home’s structure and cause peeling paint, wood rot, and warped floors. High humidity can also damage electronics, books, furniture, and other items. By maintaining optimal humidity levels with a whole-home dehumidifier, you can preserve your home’s integrity and protect your belongings.
Energy Efficiency
Whole-home dehumidifiers can make your home more energy-efficient. Because they tend to make you feel warmer, high humidity levels can result in you straining the system to get it even cooler than necessary. This can result in more energy consumption and higher utility bills. If your home’s indoor air is less humid, your AC unit can operate more efficiently, lowering energy bills and reducing your environmental footprint.
Call Us Now
Landen Heating and Cooling offers a variety of heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services in Zebulon, NC, and the surrounding area. We believe every home should have clean indoor air that is free of excess humidity. Our company also offers free estimates and has a great Comfort Club offering. Call us today to learn more about our indoor air quality services.
