Last Updated on April 6, 2021 by Showrooms Online
7 Proven Strategies For Managing Humidity
Humidity is the measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity measures the amount of water in the air as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. The greater the temperature, the more water vapor air can contain. The humidity of your home is often overlooked when considering your indoor climate. But humidity levels outside of a specific range can create major problems. In addition, keeping humidity at the optimal level can reduce your energy bill. It’s very important to use proven strategies for managing humidity.
No matter what type of climate you live in, the levels of relative humidity in the air can affect the comfort of your home, as well as the proper functioning of your heating and air conditioning units. Managing ideal indoor humidity should be a priority for every homeowner, especially when it comes to tailoring your heating and cooling preferences to meet your personal home needs. Central Heating & Air Conditioning
What’s an Acceptable Humidity Level at Home
The optimal humidity level of your home varies depending on the season. The right humidity levels help your house feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The humidity level should be lower in the winter than in the summer to prevent condensation. Condensation is often the beginning of problems in your home.
Every home is different, but a level between 30 and 40 percent humidity is typically ideal for keeping your home warm and comfortable in the winter, without leaving condensation on the windows. In the summer, that level can be higher, between 50 and 60 percent. Save on Energy
Signs of Excess Humidity
When your home has excess humidity you may see several different indicators. A hygrometer will give you a reading of your humidity levels. But, your home is unique and your ideal level may not be the same as another home. Check your home for the following signs to see if you need to use proven strategies for managing humidity.
–Look for visible condensation on cooler surfaces like windows, mirrors, pipes, and in your basement. If you do find it, feel and check the surrounding area to ensure the moisture is not spreading to walls and nearby surfaces.
–On the ceiling, you’ll want to watch out for wet stains or crumbly stucco. You can often see moisture as discoloration, which can be tough to spot in certain lighting conditions.
–Do you see any peeling paint or hear floorboards creaking excessively?
–Check your home for the smell of mold and mildew; sometimes they may even have a smoky scent. If you’ve been inside your home for a long time, try leaving for a bit and coming back. You should be able to detect odors and smells better after you’ve had fresh air.
–If you or any of your family members experience severe headaches, loss or shortness of breath, common allergy symptoms like wheezing, or a chronic cough then the humidity may be affecting your bodies.
–Do any surfaces, including walls, floors, and shelves feel soft or moist?
–Do you see dark spots or discoloration? Home Climates
Signs of Low Humidity
When your home has low humidity you may also see several different indicators. Check your home for the following signs to see if you need to use proven strategies for managing humidity.
–Bloody noses
–Chapped and cracked lips
–Dry, itchy skin and eyes
–Cold and flu symptoms
–Itchy throat
–Dry, cracking wood and furniture
–Static electricity
–Allergy and asthma flare-ups Service Champions North
7 Strategies For Managing Humidity
Our strategies for managing humidity are twofold. One set of recommendations will help reduce the level of humidity. The other set will increase your level of humidity. We start with ways to reduce humidity.
–Sealing your home, replacing old doors and windows and upgrading house wrap – just as discussed when dealing with humidity that is too low. The key is to create a tighter envelope, and when you do, it is much easier to control the humidity indoors.
–Installing a dehumidifier in your home to remove excess moisture.
–Upgrading your central air conditioner to a two-stage or variable capacity model. These units remove more moisture than older single-stage
–If you’re shopping for a window AC, consider one that has Dry Mode. It basically turns the unit into a dehumidifier. The heat is taken out of the air but returned to it, so the room doesn’t cool off. However, the moisture removed from the air in the process is drained outside, lowering the humidity level indoors. PICKHVAC
We continue with ways to increase humidity.
–Tightening you home’s envelope through sealing cracks around doors and windows Replacing old doors and windows with energy-efficient ones
–Upgrading the house wrap (WRB, or weather resistant barrier) the next time you replace the siding Limiting how often exterior doors are opened
–Adding a humidifier to your HVAC system or using a room humidifier if necessary, but Dr. Bailes makes the point that a humidifier is usually “a bandaid for a leaky home,” i.e., a drafty home in which air easily enters or leaves depending on airflow conditions and the humidity level outdoors PICKHVAC
As you can see, humidity is an important aspect of your home’s climate. Managing your humidity properly will ensure you have a safe and healty home. Install a digital hygrometer to help you manage your humidity. Let us know how you are managing your humidity.
