How to Keep Humidity Under Control in Your Home
Easy Ways to Maximize Your Comfort
Dealing with summer’s heat can be difficult enough on its own, but when you add in the frequent high humidity we experience here in Sarasota, it can take the discomfort to a whole new level. The reason that humans sweat is to allow the sweat to evaporate, taking the heat with it and helping us feel cooler. When there is already moisture in the air from humidity, there is nowhere for that heat to go, and it gets trapped against your skin. The good news is, there are steps you can take to help your AC system along and keep the humidity as manageable as possible inside your home.
Set Your Air Conditioner Up for Success
If your AC system is not performing as it should, it could be causing humidity levels to rise and lowering the air quality in your home. Your unit is designed to pull moisture out of the air using a condenser coil, but if some defect in the unit or the coil means it cannot do its job, you are left with more humidity than there needed to be. If you believe your AC may be to blame for increased humidity in your home, bring in a team of AC experts to take a look at the system and make any repairs that may be necessary.
Make Sure the Air Keeps Moving
The idea here is simple: air in motion cannot transfer its heat to you as readily as air that is still. This is why when humidity levels begin to rise, you want to do everything you can to keep the air moving in your home.
Just a few options for keeping the air circulating properly include:
- Using fans
- Opening doors and windows
- Activating exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms when in use
Avoid Adding More Humidity
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but we often forget how many aspects of our daily routine could add to the humidity in the house. For example, you may consider avoiding running the dishwasher during the day – if you’ve ever stood in front of a running dishwasher, you know how much hot, damp air it is expelling while active. Likewise, it is a good idea to take briefer, cooler showers during the day to keep more water from making its way through your air.
Consider Getting a Dehumidifier
If you take all the suggested precautions and still find that your home is uncomfortably humid, it may be time to take the next step. Dehumidifiers are an effective way to reduce the humidity in your home. Even better, the reduced moisture in the air will mean that your AC is more effective and you will not need to use it as much!
Improve Both Comfort & Air Quality
It is no secret that high humidity levels are uncomfortable, but it also has the potential to impact your indoor air quality more than you might expect. Humidity is a significant contributing factor to mold and bacteria growth in your home – most often starting in out-of-the-way spaces – which can be harmful to both you and your AC system.
Need Indoor Air Quality? Talk to your air conditioning repair experts at Airrific Air Conditioning & Heating today! Call (941) 371-3355.