Ideally, the relative humidity in your home should be between 30% and 50%. If it’s any higher, the air can feel thick and sticky, your allergies may worsen, paint and wallpaper can peel, and mold may grow. But there are several ways to remove humidity from your home. Here are some clever tips, including lesser-known strategies, that can lower the humidity level:
Install the Right Dehumidifier
The type of dehumidifier you choose depends on the conditions in your home. For a low-temperature space like a basement, use a desiccant-based dehumidifier that wicks water out of the air. A mechanical dehumidifier is more effective at collecting moisture in a warmer room. Choose an electric model if you have a small space and want something quieter.
Increase Airflow and Ventilation
The movement of air can reduce humidity, so you can dry things out by:
- Opening Windows and Doors: Letting in fresh air can dehumidify a room. Opening interior doors helps improve air circulation, so your home is less humid.
- Run Fans: Ceiling fans are good at providing natural ventilation. They help air circulate and also promote evaporation.
- Use a Ventilation System: Run the vent when you cook in the kitchen, shower in the bathroom, or use your washer and dryer in the basement. Also, consider installing an attic fan.
Shorten Your Showers
Taking a shower requires using hot water, which quickly evaporates into steam. To combat the problem, shorten your showers to less than ten minutes. Reducing the water temperature also helps. There will be less steam to fill the room. Open the bathroom door slightly as well; it will increase airflow and minimize condensation.
Choose Houseplants Wisely
Some types of plants release water vapor. If you have houseplants that require lots of watering, move them outdoors if your home is humid. Other alternatives include spreading plants around your home and covering the soil to prevent water from evaporating. Or, replace them with plants that can remove humidity from your home, such as English ivy, Boston fern, or peace lily.
Seal Air Leaks
If air leaks into your home, moisture can accompany it. It will then contribute to higher humidity, especially if you set the thermostat to a higher temperature. Sealing leaks around windows, doors, and ceilings can help alleviate the problem. If you suspect a leak in your ductwork, call a contractor to check it out.
Open a Box of Baking Soda
Baking soda, while also effective at absorbing odors, can also absorb moisture. If one room is more humid than others, leave an open box of baking soda on a window sill. Rock salt and calcium chloride are also good at wicking up moisture.
Waterproof Your Basement
Humidity is a common problem in basements. Moisture from concrete walls can contribute to dampness, and it can also seep up through the foundation. Waterproofing basement walls can be expensive but will reduce humidity and lower the risk of mold.
Get a New Carpet
Carpets are good at making it comfortable to walk. They can also retain moisture, which can attract mold and dust mites. Plus, the moisture in carpets can evaporate into the air and contribute to an indoor humidity problem. Unfortunately, the only resolutions are to replace the carpet or settle for solid flooring.
Run Your AC Earlier In the Day
Humidity is typically lower in the morning. Since air conditioners cool your home and remove moisture, turn your AC on before the relative humidity rises. The system will maintain a comfortable humidity level rather than work harder to remove excess moisture.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
High indoor humidity can be a sign your air conditioner or heater is strained. If desirable humidity levels can’t be achieved, consider calling your local HVAC contractor to inspect the system. They can repair any issues found or provide proactive maintenance that allows the unit to handle humidity more effectively.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
Annual HVAC maintenance can help your AC remove humidity from your home. In turn, improved moisture control protects your property and can avoid costly damage. At Sky Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide comprehensive inspections and tune-ups that focus on the performance and efficiency of your system. Our maintenance services can also help improve indoor air quality. Call (888) 961-4282 today to schedule annual maintenance.