High humidity in your home is not only uncomfortable, it can lead to mold growth which can cause structural damage to your home and allergy symptoms. A humidity level of 30 to 50 percent is ideal. Purchase a hygrometer to measure how much moisture is in the air. If you find that your home is too humid, here are a few easy things you can do to reduce humidity indoors.
1. Run the Air Conditioner
An air conditioner removes hot and humid air while circulating cooler, conditioned air throughout your home. Maintain your air conditioner by changing the filters as recommended to keep it running smoothly.
2. Fix Water Leaks to Reduce Humidity Indoors
Moisture in your home causes higher humidity levels. Make repairs to any leaking faucets or plumbing pipe, and cover exposed pipes in insulation to prevent condensation. Keep an eye out for leaks by checking for stained ceilings, drywall, and a higher than usual water bill.
3. Take Cooler Showers
Hot showers introduce more moisture into the air. Especially in the summer months, take cooler showers. Reducing the amount of steam your shower produces will help keep humidity under control.
4. Use Exhaust Fans to Reduce Humidity Indoors
Turn on your exhaust fans any time you’re showering or cooking. These fans vent humid air to the outside of the home. For best results, leave the fan on 10 – 15 minutes after showering and after preparing food. Doing so will reduce humidity levels in the kitchen and bathroom.
5. Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to water leaks inside the home. When water cannot flow freely through the channels, it backs up, seeping under your shingles or overflowing and leaking behind your siding or into the basement. Clean the gutters regularly so they continue to direct rainwater away from your home.
6. Install a Dehumidifier
One of the easiest ways to reduce humidity in your home is by using a dehumidifier. These devices remove moisture from the air, leaving your home cool and dry. Purchase a dehumidifier according to the square footage of the space where you’ll be using it.
7. To Reduce Humidity Indoors, Dry Clothing Outdoors
If you have clothing that should be hung to dry, hang it on a clothesline outside. Damp clothing and towels in your home will add to the moisture in the air.
8. Open the Windows
Occasionally opening the windows will help reduce humidity in your home. On cooler, breezy days, open the windows to promote circulation throughout the house.
Humid air is uncomfortable and may cause damage to your property. Use these steps to improve the air quality in your home, combat mold and mildew growth, and stay cool and comfortable indoors.
Delta Home Inspection offers home inspection services. If you’re buying a home in Mobile or Baldwin County, contact us or request an appointment online.