How to Reduce Humidity in Your House this Summer

As summer approaches, many of us look forward to enjoying the warm temperatures and longer days outdoors. However, in our homes, the rising temperatures are accompanied by an unwelcome guest: high humidity. Not only does the excess moisture make the heat feel uncomfortable, but it can also lead to a host of other issues. 

Reducing indoor humidity is the key to maintaining a comfortable and healthy home during the summer. In this piece, Herrmann Services shares some practical tips and solutions on how to lower humidity in your house, ensuring it remains a serene retreat from the summer heat.

Lowering The Humidity In Your House: Quick Tips

Here are some tips on how to lower humidity in your house.

Buy a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air and can be instrumental in cooling down a house. You can opt for a whole-house dehumidifier incorporated into your HVAC system or standalone devices that cool individual rooms. 

Shorter, Colder Showers

Showers can contribute to your home’s humidity. You may notice that when you shower, the surrounding air becomes humid. To reduce humidity levels, try taking shorter, colder showers. Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated to help eliminate moisture from your home. 

Insulate Your Home From Outdoor Humidity

Unless there is a natural spring under your home, most of the humidity in your house comes from outside. Ensure your house is airtight, and then avoid doing anything to increase humidity levels. 

Use Fans

Turning the fan on spreads moisture around the room, preventing buildup in one spot. When cooking, showering, or doing anything that could increase moisture levels in your home, be sure to turn the ventilation fan on. 

Turn Up The A/C

Your HVAC system will naturally decrease the humidity levels in your home by eliminating warm air and bringing in cool air. Ensure you change the filters frequently to increase airflow. 

Signs Your Home Has Too Much Moisture

Musty Odors

If the inside of your home smells “damp,” you may have a mold or mildew problem. It is possible to have a mold or mildew problem without ever seeing these fungi, as they tend to grow in hard-to-reach areas. 

Visible Mold or Mildew

Sometimes, it’s possible to spot mold or mildew with your eye. You will likely see mildew or mold in your basement or crawlspace. Mildew is usually gray or white and tends to have a powdery texture, whereas mold has a fuzzy texture and can appear in various colors, such as black, gray, or green. 

Condensation on Windows

If condensation is visible on your windows, it’s a telltale sign of high humidity in your home. 

Rotting Wood

When moisture interacts with wood over a long period, the wood starts to rot. If you notice wood in your home starting to rot, it’s a sign of excess moisture. 

Peeling Wallpaper or Paint

Excessive peeling of wallpaper or paint could indicate moisture issues in your home. 

Why Too Much Humidity Can Be a Bad Thing

High Humidity Increases The Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses

Our bodies cannot cool down properly on a hot, humid day. When our bodies are not functioning optimally, we become vulnerable to several heat and humidity-related conditions, such as dehydration, fainting, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

High Humidity Can Aggravate Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Certain health conditions make you more susceptible to the adverse effects of humidity and heat, including asthma, heart disease since the body needs to pump more blood, allergies, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) since it’ll be harder to breathe.

Maintain Comfort By Controlling Humidity

Regular A/C maintenance helps keep your home cool during the summer and decreases humidity. At Herrmann Services, we recommend performing annual maintenance on your A/C before the summer season. Contact us today to learn more about how to lower humidity in your house.

Featured Image: Fernando Avendano/ Shutterstock