Too much humidity can cause an unpleasant living environment; the air becomes thick and sticky, and your home is likely to grow mold. It’s important to be in control of the humidity inside your home to avoid these uncomfortable and harmful situations.
There are some simple preventative measures you can take, and tips to help you manage the levels of humidity in your home. Here’s a collection of some of the most effective tips.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a really handy appliance to have in your home, especially if humidity levels usually hit 65% or higher. If your home has an upstairs this is the best location for a dehumidifier as the warm, moist air will rise.
A dehumidifier can have other great benefits, too, such as clearing the air of harmful pollutants and allergens. This is particularly useful if members of your household suffer from allergies or asthma.
Use Your Exhaust Fans
There are built-in exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms which have been installed for a good reason—each time you cook or take a shower the fans help to expel the excess moisture in the room. They also alleviate any bad odors that might have found their way into your home, so they’re definitely worth using.
Regularly Clean Your AC Filters
The air conditioning unit inside your home is already working hard to reduce the humidity levels. However, if the filters become clogged over time with dust and other particles they become significantly less effective.
Your filters should usually be changed every three to five months, or sooner if you notice they have become blocked.
Dry Your Laundry Outside
If you tend to hang your laundry to dry inside the house the damp clothes will increase the moisture in the air. The simple solution to this is to hang your laundry on a clothes line outside, or purchase a tumble dryer if you’re able.
Invest in a Window Vacuum
You can use an innovative little device called a window vacuum. Its primary use is for cleaning windows, but its ability to suction water from flat surfaces such as windows, glass doors, and mirrors, makes it incredibly useful in household areas such as the bathroom.
When you’ve taken a shower and the bathroom is all steamed up, a window vac will help you to remove a lot of the moisture in the room which is clinging to the mirrors and shower doors and walls. It’s great for preventing streaks, too.
Replace Bath and Shower Mats with Cork
We use bath and shower mats to ensure the floor doesn’t get wet when we get out, and to stop us from slipping while we’re wet. These mats will retain water and stay considerably wet for several hours, all the while contributing moisture to the air and effecting the humidity levels in your home.
A very simple way to avoid this is to switch out your cloth mats for a cork mat. Cork will absorb very little moisture and still prevents you from slipping when wet.
If you’re experiencing issues with the AC system in your home or you’d like to discuss your dehumidifier options, don’t hesitate to give us a call here at Acker Heating and Cooling!