The Virginia heat is making a comeback, and with it comes the humidity. When the moisture levels in your home are high, it can cause a number of problems ranging from a musty smell to the exacerbation of seasonal allergies and even mold! Plus, who really enjoys the damp, sticky feeling that comes this time of year?
Did you know that there are simple ways to manage the moisture levels in your home? Improve your family’s comfort levels and protect the structural integrity of your home in no time! Interested? Here are five ways to lower the humidity in your home and beat those muggy Richmond summers!
Take Cooler Showers
This seems so simple but taking cooler, shorter showers can greatly decrease the moisture levels in your home. Just think about how steamy it can get in your bathroom when you’ve luxuriated under the hot, running water. Now, think about how that steam can contribute to humidity.
Even if it’s just during the summer, turning down the heat on your thermostat and keeping your showers short can go a long way. Plus, you’ll save money on your energy bill. It’s a win-win situation!
Skip the Boiled Food
Have you ever been stuck in the kitchen on a hot day? If so, you’ll know that the last thing you’d want to do is be near a pot of boiling water. Just like with the shower, when you create steam in your home, it will add moisture to the air which increases humidity levels.
When the temperatures rise, try to avoid cooking anything that requires boiling inside the house. Craving corn on the cob or hot dogs? Throw it on the grill!
Use Your Exhaust Fans
We’ve just finished talking about showers and cooking, so how many of us can say that we’re diligent in using the exhaust fans in our bathrooms and kitchens? They are a great resource for battling humidity, but we often underuse them.
Whenever you cook or take a shower, always be sure to turn on the exhaust fans and leave them on until the room feels cool. All of these little proactive steps can really add up to reduce the moisture in your home.
Swap Out Your Carpet
Many homeowners turn to carpeting as a means of adding warmth to a house, but did you know that they also trap moisture? Just sit on a carpet on a hot, muggy day and you’ll quickly realize how much it can contribute to your discomfort.
Hardwood and vinyl flooring can dramatically reduce humidity levels while simultaneously being easier to keep clean. If you make the switch, you can always add area rugs to your living room or bedroom when needed.
Change Your AC Filters
Richmond residents know that air conditioning is essential to getting through the hot summers. Not only do they help keep your home cool, but they can also fight humidity, leaving your family feeling a lot more comfortable.
As this warmer season begins, be sure to change your filters. When they become clogged from trapped allergens, dust, and other contaminants, your AC unit’s efficiency will drop. Again, staying on top of this can save you money because dirty filters make your HVAC work harder, increasing your energy costs.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
Of course, one of the best ways you can control the moisture levels in your home is to use a dehumidifier. There are portable models that can be quite effective at managing humidity in smaller spaces. This is ideal if you’re in an apartment or office.
In Virginia, it’s probably best to invest in a whole-home dehumidifier if your budget allows. You should still take all the steps to reduce the amount of moisture within your home, but having a dedicated unit will make the biggest impact.
Benefits of Lower Humidity
There are many benefits to lowering the humidity in your home. Aside from feeling more comfortable, you’ll also be helping control the organisms and processes that may lead to mold and mildew. When these are allowed to grow, it can have a serious impact on your indoor air quality and health.
By managing humidity levels, you’ll also be protecting the structural integrity of your home. Excess moisture can gradually compromise the integrity of wood framing and deteriorate flooring, among other things. It’s better to avoid the costly repairs and inconvenience by addressing the issue before it becomes a problem!
Let W.G. Speeks Help!
For more than 75 years, residents in the Greater Richmond Area have trusted W.G. Speeks for their heating and cooling needs. Our team of NATE-certified technicians is on hand to provide guidance and unparalleled customer service. Best of all, we offer a free consultation. Call us today and let W.G. Speeks help you reduce the humidity in your home!
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