“It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity.” This cliché sums up a major problem with high humidity: excessive moisture in the air makes you feel hotter than hot. You’re sticky, sweaty, and all-around miserable.
When there’s high humidity inside, it’s even worse. High indoor humidity is super-uncomfortable because there’s no escape. Beyond simple discomfort, excessive moisture can make you sick with allergies or breathing problems. It may also harm your house, in the form of mold, rot, and structural damage.
What’s A Comfortable Indoor Humidity Level?
Indoor humidity is measured in terms of “relative humidity.” Ideally, relative humidity should be between 40-50% in summer and somewhat lower in winter. (A simple device called a hygrometer, available at hardware stores, indicates the indoor humidity percentage at a glance.)
10 Easy Ways To Reduce Indoor Humidity
1. Run Your Air Conditioning
Running your air conditioner will keep you cooler and help dehumidify the atmosphere indoors. For best results, change the air filter as needed and have the AC tuned up regularly.
2. Fix Leaks
When your home’s already humid, the last thing you need is more damp! Repair any water leaks, whether from your plumbing system, your roof, or your home’s foundation.
3. Take Care Of Your Gutters
Make sure your roof gutters are clear and in good repair, so they will direct rainfall (and melting snow, next spring) away from your roof and foundation.
4. Minimize Steam
Turn down the hot water temperature a degree or two and cut your shower time. Cover cooking pots and avoid long-simmering (quick meals and cold salads are more appealing in summer, anyway).
5. Use Exhaust Fans
While you’re taking that shower, be sure to run the bathroom exhaust fan; excess moisture has tremendous potential for damaging bathrooms. Keep it on for 20 minutes afterward, as well. In the kitchen, use your range hood. Ensure that both devices vent humid air outdoors and not into your attic.
6. Dry Clothes Outside
Drying laundry is problematic two ways. First, your clothes dryer gives off tons of steam and heat while in use. Though your dryer vent channels much of that outdoors, some stay inside your home.
Second, drying delicate items on a bathroom rack is yet another source of… you guessed it! Indoor humidity. So set up a clothesline in the backyard (if your neighbourhood permits).
7. Relocate Houseplants
Houseplants can be a surprising source of moisture. Why not put them out on your patio for the summer? If that’s not possible, group them in one airy room, preferably with a ventilating fan or open window.
8. Open Windows
Speaking of windows, opening them can be a simple, natural way to reduce indoor humidity. Just do it on a day that’s less humid outside than in your home!
9. Improv A Dehumidifier
To improvise a basic humidifier, use an old coffee can in which you’ve placed a few charcoal briquettes. Change the briquettes after 2-3 months. This is a great moisture-absorbing tool for small spaces, such as under a sink.
10. Buy A Dehumidifier
A better way to reduce indoor humidity is with a purchased dehumidifier. Portable models are available, but an integrated dehumidification system is ideal for managing your home’s moisture level.
Reduce Indoor Humidity And Improve Air Quality
HR HVAC helps you find the best solution to reduce indoor humidity.
Turn to us for:
- Dehumidifiers or humidifiers
- Indoor air quality improvement products
- Professional friendly diagnosis of your HVAC needs