Managing your home’s humidity is easy when you know what to do. By simply adjusting behavior and investing in some dehumidifying tools, you’ll be able to lower humidity levels. Here are a few ways to reduce the humidity at home.
Reducing humidity and its effects is as easy as turning on your air conditioner, placing discreet pouches of charcoal throughout your home, and lowering the temperature of your showers by just a few degrees. You can also invest in a dehumidifier to keep your home’s humidity levels within an acceptable range.
Turn On the A/C to Reduce Humidity at Home
Turning your air conditioner on is one of the quickest ways to lower humidity levels in your home. If your indoor humidity levels reach 55% or more, it can create the perfect conditions for mold and bacteria to grow. Be sure to keep your air conditioner running regularly throughout the warmer months.
Use Charcoal
Charcoal is an effective tool for minimizing humidity. Its dense yet light composition is capable of absorbing moisture and odors from the air. Distribute charcoal briquettes throughout your home by simply lining a bowl, baking sheet, or plate with aluminum foil or plastic and place them in the open. For something more inconspicuous, hang charcoal in sheer pouches placed around the home.
Lower the Temperature of Your Showers
Taking cooler showers is an easy way to significantly reduce humidity, especially in the warmer months. By dropping the water temperature just a few degrees during your daily shower, you’ll be able to eliminate some of the moisture and heat that’s released into the air.
Spending less time in the shower also helps to keep humidity levels lower. If you just don’t want to give up the hot water, consider investing in a low-flow showerhead, which uses less water and doesn’t create as much humidity. Turn on the ventilation fan when you shower and keep it on for 20 minutes afterward.
Adjust Drying Methods
When doing laundry in the warmer months, it’s important to rethink your indoor drying process. If you usually dry your clothes and/or linens on a rack inside, switch to an outdoor method. Alternatively, run your dryer at night when temperatures are cooler.
Invest in a Dehumidifier to Reduce Humidity at Home
A dehumidifier is a great investment that easily and efficiently lowers humidity levels in a space. You can purchase portable dehumidifiers or get whole-house coverage with one that connects to your HVAC system. Whole-house dehumidifiers remove moisture as the humid air is drawn into the system and over a cold coil where the resulting condensation is drained through a pipe. Portable dehumidifiers are a good, affordable solution if you only have issues in a couple of rooms.
Coastline Home Inspection provides home inspections to the Hampton Roads area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
