Having a humid house is uncomfortable, and unfortunately, that is often not the only problem with having a home with high humidity. High levels of humidity can lead to mold growth, which may require costly mold remediation. It can also cause condensation inside the walls of your home, which can cause wood rot and structural damage.
However, you also don’t want your home to be too dry. Air that is too dry may damage your floors or cause allergies to flare up. It is best to keep the humidity level in your home between 30 to 50%.
You can find out what the humidity level in your home is by using a hygrometer. Then, if the humidity in your home is too high, here are some tips for reducing it.
Purchase a Dehumidifier
This is the most effective way to reduce the humidity level in your home. A dehumidifier will remove moisture from the air in your home. The cost of one of these units varies, but it will make your home less humid.
Run Your Air Conditioner
Another way to lower the humidity in your home is to use your air conditioner. It will lower your home’s humidity by removing the heat and moisture from the air. This will often keep the humidity level in your home at 30 to 50%. But, if you live in a particularly humid area, you may need a dehumidifier as well.
Repair Leaky Pipes
A leaky pipe will add moisture to your home, thus helping to increase indoor humidity. If you have any leaky pipes, it is best to get them repaired. It can also help to cover the pipes with insulating material to prevent condensation from developing. Any moisture added to your home can increase humidity.
Turn on Your Ventilation Fans
Whenever you cook or shower, it is important to turn on the ventilation fan. Then, when you are finished showering or cooking, let the fan run for a bit. This can help lower the humidity level in your home. This is especially important in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, which are particularly humid and, therefore, prone to developing a mold problem.
Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters may not seem relevant to indoor humidity levels. But, if you don’t properly care for your gutters, they could cause indoor leaks. Aside from cleaning your gutters, you should make sure your downspout is directed away from your home and is long enough to keep water from pooling around your home. If you have water pooling up close to your home, it could eventually leak into your house.
Open Your Windows
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to lower your home’s humidity is to open your windows. Although, make sure you are not running the air conditioning while you do this, or you could find yourself with a high electric bill.
Final Thoughts
High humidity levels in your home can be a big problem. When the humidity in your home is too high, it can lead to mold problems which can damage your health as well as your home. So, try some of these tips, and you should find the humidity level in your home decreasing.
Contact Us
If you have a mold problem that you need help with, contact RestorePro. Restore Pro has decades of experience helping homes and businesses with quick and effective mold remediation. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and connect with us on Facebook.
