Foggy windows, the sight or smell of mold, and dry skin are all signs of the same thing — your home’s humidity levels are out of balance. A little moisture in the air is beneficial, but too much of anything is never a good thing — including humidity. So, how do you control these critical humidity levels?
Recommended Humidity Levels
The ideal indoor humidity levels should fall between 35 and 45 percent. Not only can proper humidity levels be good for skin health, but belongings such as furniture and drywall will also remain secure from the damaging effects of excessive moisture or dryness too.
Humidity levels are prone to change depending on air temperature and climate, especially with the changing of the seasons. If you need help adjusting your home’s humidity levels, a professional can be called in to use a hygrometer, a tool which measures the relative humidity in your home space to determine if you need to lower it or raise it.
How to Lower Humidity Levels
There’s nothing like walking into your home after being out all day, and feeling like a wall of moisture just hit you in the face. Here are some easy ways to relieve the humidity in your home, especially during the summertime:
Dehumidifiers
These are machines designed to remove moisture from the air. They work best when placed strategically in rooms that are sealed, without doors and windows. It also works best in the spring season when heating your home isn’t an option.
Improve ventilation
Some rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms, will always have moisture. Ensure that they are properly ventilated to create a humidity balance. Try turning vent fans on when you notice too much moisture, and consider opening the windows for a few hours every day to let some fresh air in.
Clean the AC filters
Air conditioning systems reduce humidity and cool your home. They work by pulling in air from outside into your house and filtering out the moisture from the air. However, it is only effective when the AC filters are clean. Make an appointment with a professional to have your air conditioner serviced, and your air quality will improve in no time!
Grow plants that absorb humidity
Plants are a natural way of controlling humidity levels. You want plants that will remove moisture from the air to lower humidity levels, such as the Boston fern.
How to Increase Humidity
Mostly during winter, the heating system usually is on, making the air in your house dry. It may feel like you can’t do anything to improve the dry discomfort that has become your home, but this isn’t the case. Here are a few ways to increase humidity and improve your air quality:
Bring in a humidifier
A humidifier necessarily works to improve moisture content in the air. It can be installed together with the HVAC system. When running the HVAC system, the humidifier adds moisture into the air before it’s pushed through the ducts and finally into your home space.
Natural evaporation tips
With all the hot conditions in your home provided by the heating system, natural evaporation shouldn’t be difficult. You could leave wet clothes and towels that should dry, releasing moisture into the air. Boil water and leave it to evaporate. You may also consider bringing in your carpet as it traps moisture. Taking hotter and longer showers should release some moisture into the air, improving the humidity levels indoors.