Let’s play “Would You Rather”. As in, would you rather be outside on a sunny 90 degree day or a humid 90 degree day? Since high humidity can make staying cool and comfortable nearly impossible, we’re willing to bet most will choose the former.
Not much of a game, was that? Then again, there’s nothing fun about suffering through a hot, sticky day. The fun part happens only when you return home to cool and comfortable surroundings.
Wait a second – you just noticed something peculiar. Aha, you’ve found that the humidity level is too high indoors, as well. Not a good thing, and one you’ll want to correct asap.
Several factors can spike indoor humidity levels, which should fall between 30 and 50 percent. An aging AC system, for example, gradually loses its ability to drive excess humidity outdoors. Whatever the cause, here are a few surefire cures.
Know your numbers. Use an indoor humidity gauge in various areas of your home. Testing several rooms, up and downstairs, helps paint a clearer picture as humidity can vary from room to room and floor to floor. For example, basements are typically more humid than other rooms since moisture from the soil can seep through floors and walls.
Use a room dehumidifier if high humidity is isolated. Whether it’s just the basement, or a back bedroom, a room dehumidifier might be enough to turn those areas from musty and muggy to pleasant.
Install a bathroom exhaust vent. As enjoyable as those long hot showers may be, the steam created can cause condensation on toilets and fixtures, make paint and wallpaper crack and peel, and warp wood cabinetry. Run the fan during a bath or shower and leave it running for at least 10 minutes after. If you have one, open the bathroom window.
Cover basement floor with a vapor barrier. When installing flooring materials on a concrete basement floor, a quality vapor barrier is a must. This will help prevent moisture from seeping up through the floor and into the air. If your home has a dirt floor, you can still add a vapor barrier, then cover the sheeting with several inches of pea gravel to hold it in place.
Consider a whole-house dehumidifier. If your home consistently has high humidity, a whole-house dehumidifier is a great way to bring it under control.
The best solution of all, however, is to replace your aging AC system with a new and energy efficient model. You’ll enjoy years of uninterrupted comfort and just the right humidity levels. Contact Air Professionals today to learn more and request a free new system proposal.