If you live in Texas, you know the summers can be unbearably humid. You expect humidity when you go outside, but it’s a miserable experience to come home and have to deal with the humidity indoors, as well.
On top of just being uncomfortable, humidity negatively impacts several parts of your home. High humidity contributes to the growth of mold and mildew, damages the wood and paint on your home’s interior and even reduces the energy efficiency of your air conditioner. If you’re tired of your home feeling balmy and unpleasant, taking extra steps towards reducing the humidity in your home is worth it. It will save you money, too! Read on for tips on how to lower humidity in a house during the summer.
Use A Dehumidifier
Wondering how to control humidity? One popular method is by introducing a dehumidifier into your home. You can find portable dehumidifiers at most hardware or appliance stores. These small appliances can be useful because you can move them to the necessary rooms and have more flexibility in how often you use them. Some HVAC professionals can provide you with advice on which type to purchase, while others are able to sell dehumidifying appliances to customers.
Decrease The Moisture Entering The Air
Curious about how to get rid of moisture in your home? One easy way to lower your indoor humidity is by taking shorter showers with cooler water. Steam is a significant source of moisture, so cutting down on long showers will help reduce the moisture in your home’s air.
To take this tip one step further, run the vent fans in your bathroom when you shower so the steam doesn’t collect. Other everyday home routines that can contribute to humidity are doing laundry and cooking (as you might when you are boiling water). While you don’t have to stop doing these chores altogether, you can resolve to make small changes, like only doing laundry when you have a full wash load or letting clothes air-dry outside. It’s also extremely helpful to have your clothes dryer exhaust vent to the outside if it doesn’t already.
Check Problem Areas For Condensation
Warmer air is capable of holding more moisture, which is why summers tend to be so humid. These conditions cause condensation which brings excess moisture into your home. Check your pipes, windows, crawl spaces and basements for possible signs of condensation. If you aren’t familiar with condensation, it usually looks like the surface is “sweating,” meaning it has water droplets collecting on it. If you do notice condensation in these areas, you may want to talk to an HVAC contractor about taking measures to stop the further accumulation of water.
Get The Most Out Of Your AC Unit
One of the main functions of your air conditioner in the summertime is to remove humidity. However, an ill-fitted heating and air conditioning can alter the levels of moisture in your home, so it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is the right size. If you think your system might be the cause of your humid house, call an HVAC specialist to assess if you are in need of a different unit. If your AC unit is already the right size, make sure that the drain line and drip pans are clear and clean.
ABC Can Help Keep Your Home Comfortable
Your home is a place to unwind and relax, not somewhere you want to be sticky or sweaty. If you need to have your HVAC system evaluated to make sure it’s efficiently preventing excess humidity, call ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our skilled technicians can help you troubleshoot humidity problems—or any other problem you may be experiencing with your heating or cooling system. With the help of ABC, you’ll feel great inside your home, without ever having to lift a finger.