High humidity is a common problem, which is peculiar to the warmer months of the year. It not only makes you feel sticky, sweaty, and uncomfortable, but also can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your house. That’s why balancing the humidity level in your living space is so important. By reading this post, you can learn how to reduce humidity in your house effectively, making it a more comfortable and safer place to live.
What’s the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says the optimal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. This range provides a comfortable and healthy environment for most people. High levels of humidity can cause mold growth, breathing problems, and discomfort, while low levels of humidity can make skin dry, lips chapped, and static electricity. A hygrometer is a handy tool to measure your indoor humidity levels.
How to Tell My House is Too Humid?
As mentioned above, a hygrometer is an ideal gadget for keeping tabs on indoor humidity, and the INKBIRD ITH-13-B takes it a step further by sounding an alarm if the humidity levels go too high. Plus, it can send alerts to your phone via Bluetooth, so you can better implement the following provided effective measures on how to reduce reduce humidity in house. In addition, there are several signs to determine whether your indoor humidity might be excessive:
- Condensation on windows or walls
- Musty or stale air
- Surface mold
- Furniture fabrics feel damp
- Musty smell
10 Tips on How to Lower Humidity in House Fast
If you are experiencing high humidity problem or your hygrometer sounds a high humidity alarm, try these 10 effective tips to reduce humidity in your house.
1. Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are designed specifically to remove moisture from the air. They work by condensing water vapor and collecting it in a removable reservoir. Make sure to regularly check and empty the tank, especially if it fills up fast, as that means your indoor humidity is high. Plus, using a dehumidifier also helps reduce the amount of time you rely on AC, which save you money and energy. Note that dehumidifiers come in a variety of sizes and capacities, so choose one that suits your house best.
2. Run Air Conditioning
Air conditioners actually work in a similar way to compressor dehumidifiers by pulling moisture from the air. However, since their primary function is cooling, they might not be as efficient as standalone dehumidifiers and tend to consume more power. If you don’t have a dehumidifier or don’t want to invest one, turning on your air conditioner is still an effective way to reduce humidity.
3. Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation also helps remove excess moisture from your house. If your family doesn't mind giving up a bit of privacy, leaving windows and doors open can boost air flow. In addition, turn on ceiling fans, box fans, or exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where moisture is generated to help circulate air and reduce humidity.
4. Use Desiccants like Charcoal and Baking Soda
In the absence of electrical appliances, desiccants such as charcoal briquettes or baking soda can still be used to absorb moisture from the air. However, they work best in small areas and take their time. Charcoal is a better option since it covers more area, and can be dried out in the sun or oven to refresh it. Just toss a few briquettes in a basket and swap them out every few months.
5. Dry Clothing with a Dryer or Outdoors
Consider hanging your clothing outside or using a well-ventilated dryer, as drying clothing inside or using a heat pump dryer indoors can trap moisture inside your house.
6. Rearrange Your Plants
Plants release moisture into the air through transpiration. While indoor plants can add a touch of greenery to your home, it is important not to overcrowd them as this can lead to excessive humidity. Temporarily placing them on a patio or in a well-ventilated room is one of the emergency measures during extremely humid times.
7. Clean the Gutter System
Gutters are used to collect and direct water that runs away from your home, but if they are clogged or broken, water can gather the base of your home. Regular cleaning can prevent water from leaking into your basement and keep the indoor humidity lower.
8. Avoid Steam
Activities that generate steam should be kept to a minimum during humid weather. Skip those long, steamy showers, lower the hot water temperature a bit and keep your showers short. You might also cut back on cooking and opt for quick meals like fast food or salads instead.
9. Inspect for Leaks
Leaky pipes and faucets can have a significant impact on the humidity in your home. It's best to fix those leaks as soon as possible to keep humidity down and prevent more damage. If you spot a leak, try wrapping the exposed pipe with insulation. If you're not sure where the leak is or how to fix it, high water bills, stained drywall, and wet spots are all obvious signs that you should call a pro immediately.
10. Consider a Moisture Barrier
In areas with particularly humid climates, you may consider installing a moisture barrier in your basement or crawl space. This can prevent moisture from seeping into your living space.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, reducing humidity in your house is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. By using the tips in this article, you can get rid of extra moisture and make your space more pleasant for you and your family. Don't forget to check humidity levels often using the hygrometers below and tweak things as necessary to maintain great air quality at home.
