Feeling Stuffy? Lower Humidity Levels With These Easy Tips

Dehumidifiers can help lower humidity levels

High humidity levels in summer can leave you feeling hot and sticky, even with a brand-new air conditioner. A/Cs can only tackle so much humidity before you have to call in reinforcements. Discover why it’s important to lower humidity levels this summer, how you can start making improvements now, and why we highly recommend dehumidifiers in certain homes.

The Importance of Monitoring Your Humidity Levels

More than feeling uncomfortable, there are serious reasons why too much humidity is a bad thing. When indoor humidity levels rise above the recommended 35 to 50 percent range, moisture can build up and cause these negative effects:

  • Your home will feel hotter than the thermostat shows
  • Sweating won’t cool you down because it can’t evaporate
  • Wood flooring and furnishings will swell and deteriorate
  • Mold and mildew will grow and multiply more easily
  • Rust development will increase and accelerate
  • Allergy and asthma symptoms will worsen
  • Your home’s structural integrity could be affected

Take Control of High Humidity Levels

If your humidity levels rise above the 50 percent mark, there are a few DIY tips you can try before we’ll recommend a whole-home solution:

  1. Clean or replace your A/C filter regularly to prevent clogging and keep air moving.
  2. Run exhaust fans in your bathroom or kitchen anytime someone is showering or cooking.
  3. Take cooler and shorter showers to reduce moisture and heat production
  4. Do laundry when you have full loads for the washer/dryer. Hang your clothes outside to dry if possible.
  5. Fix leaky pipes or faucets to reduce added moisture in the air.
  6. Keep gutters clear to prevent water from leaking into your home. Also make sure your downspout is draining at least six feet away from your home.
  7. Open your windows more often—sometimes a nice cross-breeze can be enough to reduce humidity.

Trust That a Dehumidifier Can Do It All

If the above DIY tips aren’t enough to lower humidity levels, our pros may recommend a whole-home dehumidifier. These systems remove excess moisture from the air and can help you save on energy bills because drier air feels cooler, even at summer’s higher temperatures. But it’s important to know that dehumidifiers are only installed in certain settings. If unnecessarily installed, dehumidifiers can dry out your skin and hair, cause bloody noses, damage your wood furniture and flooring, and create a breeding ground for cold- and flu-causing illnesses.

Take Control of Your Indoor Humidity—Schedule an In-Home Consultation

The only way to know your home’s humidity level is in the right range is to have a professional check it. Schedule an appointment with a River City Heating & Air Conditioning pro to find out where your humidity level stands and if you need a Bryant® dehumidifier to combat high levels. In the meantime, learn about other air quality products that can help you feel more comfortable at home.