Here’s why it’s important to reduce humidity in your living space.
High humidity in the house is trouble on many levels. Clammy air causes discomfort because it makes it harder for your body to stay cool. Damp can set in when excessive moisture levels are high, jeopardizing the structural integrity of wood frames, steel nails, rafter insulation, wall paint, insulation and many other building components. Follow these nine tips ton reduce humidity indoors during the muggiest months.
1 – Air-Dry Clothes Outside
Most Americans run a dryer after washing clothes. This water-related activity can release moisture in the air indoors even if the machine properly vents hot air to the outside. Instead, air-dry your clothes in the yard to avoid having a humid laundry room during the warmest months.
At least 20 states protect people’s right to dry clothes outdoors and take advantage of the sun’s deodorizing and sanitizing benefits. If you live in one of them, you should be able to hang clotheslines outside — even if your homeowner association has a community guideline restricting it.
2 – Cook With Covered Pots
Steaming, simmering, stewing, boiling and frying foods cause water to evaporate and make the immediate air wet. Cover cookware with a lid to keep moisture from escaping. If you must keep your pots or pans uncovered, use a ducted range hood to expel the moist air.
3 – Use Less Hot Water to Reduce Humidity
The bathroom turns into a sauna when taking hotter showers because higher temperatures convert more liquid water into vapor. Lowering the water temperature helps minimize the rise of bath humidity levels, making them more manageable.
4 – Improve Indoor Air Circulation
Increased airflow does more than dry wet surfaces. It keeps indoor air from stagnating, allowing moisture to move from one place to another until it finds its way out of your house.
Turn on your ceiling fans while leaving your interior doors open to circulate the air between rooms. If your air conditioner is off, open your windows to let in dry, cool drafts in and push the warm, moisture-ridden air out.
5 – Run a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier pulls excessive moisture from the air and turns it into liquid water you can discard safely in the drains. Fire it up to keep indoor humidity levels in check during the hot season. Buy a properly sized unit to ensure it works effectively.
If you prefer a natural method, place charcoal briquettes in humid indoor areas. These blocks absorb moisture and remove unpleasant odors from the air.
6 – Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats with humidity control consider the amount of water vapor in the air to regulate your indoor climate. Pair your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) with one to keep your indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to maintain comfort and prevent moisture-related problems like mold growth.
7 – Change Air Conditioner Filters Regularly
Running an air conditioner with a dirty filter is like breathing with an impaired lung. Consult your owners manual to determine how often you should replace a disposable air filter or wash a reusable one and how to install it correctly.
Follow your HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure your unit operates efficiently. You may have to maintain your filter sooner when you have higher levels of air contamination than usual. For example, your HVAC filter clogs more quickly after a home renovation due to dust.
8 – Prevent Leakage and Seepage to Reduce Humidity
Sealing all cracks and gaps around the house helps prevent water and wet air from going into places they shouldn’t reach. Use a home energy auditor to find all the weak points in your building envelope and receive expert advice to address them.
9 – Blanket a Dirt Crawlspace With Plastic
The ground beneath your house is usually wet since the hotter outside air condenses on its cooler surfaces. Water can also enter this area due to flooding and wall leaks. Dampness creates a significant difference in water vapor between your crawlspace and living spaces, causing moisture to move into drier areas.
Cover your floor with a plastic water vapor barrier to keep the moisture from the dirt at bay. Ensure the crawlspace walls are as airtight as they can be to block more humid outdoor breezes.
The Takeaway: Reduce Humidity at Home
Maintaining a safe amount of moisture in the air inside the house is a never-ending pursuit. With these practical tips, you can easily control indoor humidity levels year-round to promote good health and keep your property in good shape.
On her downtime, Shashika enjoys container gardening on her rooftop and shares her bounty with friends and neighbors.
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