Finding it difficult to control humidity at home? If humidity is too high, it can make you feel uncomfortable and even result in problems like excessive sweating. With the high humidity levels we have in St. Louis in the summers, it is common to have humidity problems at home. However, you do not just need to suffer in a sticky, humid house. Read on to learn some of the best ways for how to control humidity in your home, so you can enjoy the summer.
For more help installing a dehumidifier in your home or to learn more, contact the heating and cooling experts at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis online or by phone at 314-993-1110.
Why is it Important to Know How to Control Humidity at Home?
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. The more humidity there is, the more uncomfortable it feels when you are inside a home. While the ideal humidity levels vary based on the season, in the summer, it is best to keep the humidity level between 30 and 50 percent, as this will make you more comfortable. In the winter, the humidity level should be between 30 and 45 percent, as this will help you avoid dryness in your nasal passages and skin.
High humidity levels can also cause mold to grow and create structural damage to homes that have been damaged by flooding. Excess moisture levels can clog up your air conditioning system and make it hard to breathe.
Five Ways to Control Humidity In Your Home
When you find yourself asking how to control humidity in your home, there can be many available solutions. One way to reduce the levels of humidity in your home is by changing out the air filters on a regular basis. This can help because a clean filter allows your HVAC system to run more efficiently, thus allowing the air conditioner to control humidity levels better.
Here are the other easy ways to control humidity:
- Track humidity levels: The first step is to purchase a hygrometer to track humidity in your residence. Simply take it out of its packaging and place it on a flat surface, making sure that it is out of the sunlight. It will then give you a reading regarding your current humidity levels.
- Check the sources of humidity: There are a lot of things throughout your home that can contribute to increased humidity levels. The sources of excess moisture in your home can be too many indoor plants, leaky basements, or water leaks in other areas. Check and repair these leaks to reduce excess humidity.
- Adjust thermostat settings: One way to control humidity is to keep the thermostat set to a higher temperature in the winter and lower in the summer. This will help maintain the same moisture level because it prevents condensation when heating or air conditioning. However, this can increase strain on your system, so you should use care when adjusting your thermostat.
- Use fans: Place fans in strategic areas around your residence to keep the air moving, which will help keep the humidity levels low. This helps to prevent condensation and associated mold growth.
- Invest in dehumidifiers and humidifiers: These systems are the most effective solution for how to control humidity in your home. A humidifier increases the humidity in a room by adding moisture to the air. This is beneficial in the winter months when the air is dry, as it can help to prevent colds, sinus infections, and other respiratory problems. A dehumidifier does the opposite; it removes moisture from the air and reduces the humidity level. This is beneficial in the summer months when the air is too moist, as it can help to reduce the number of allergens in the air and make it more comfortable to breathe.
Call an HVAC Professional in St. Louis
While you can install humidity controls in each room, it may be more cost-effective to set controls for your whole house. With a whole home dehumidifier or humidification system, you can set your desired humidity levels and be sure that they remain consistent throughout the seasons. Being a complex project, this is best done by your trusted St. Louis HVAC company.
To learn more or schedule installation for a humidifier or dehumidifier for your St. Louis area home or office, contact our experts today online or by phone at 314-993-1110.
