Eastern North Carolinians are no stranger to humidity. We all know too well the oppressive heat you feel when you walk outside during the summer. But what you may not know is how humidity can affect you and your family inside the home. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air.
Some Effects of High Humidity in Your Home:
1. Increased mold and dust mites. Mold grows indoors when mold spores land on wet surfaces. They produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxic substances. Mold can also increase asthma attacks. Dust mites and other bacterial populations also increase in high humidity environments. Mites do not drink water, they actually absorb water from the air around them. It is recommended to keep the relative humidity of your home between 40-60% to prevent mold, dust mites and bacteria from growing.
2. Damage to your home. Humidity in the home can cause damage to floors, drywall, electronics, artwork, and wood. The wood framing in your home could rot and buckle. To protect hardwood floors, humidity levels should be between 35-50%.
3. Uncomfortable conditions. We know how much hotter it feels outside when humidity levels are high and the same is true for indoors. High humidity makes your home feel warmer and more stuffy.
4. Increased energy use. When you feel hotter in your house, you turn up your AC higher to compensate. This increases energy use and increases your electric bills.
Things You Can Do to Reduce Humidity:
1. Run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
2. Turn on fans or open windows to circulate air.
3. Make sure dryers are vented properly.
4. Check your roof for water leaks.
5. Have your HVAC drain lines cleared as part of preventative maintenance.
6. Upgrade your HVAC equipment to a high efficiency system with humidity control
7. Install a whole home dehumidifier.
If you still have issues in your home with humidity or for more information on humidity and other indoor air quality problems, give Davis Heating & AC a call. 910-333-1954