Homes should have humidity levels between 40% and 60%. But most homes have high humidity levels that stretch above 60%, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and any area with poor ventilation. High humidity levels aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re potentially dangerous; high humidity can cause the spread of mold, damage your belongings, and even cause damage to wallpaper and paint. If your home has high humidity levels, use this guide to get them back under control.
Signs Your Home Is Too Humid
Do you know exactly what humidity levels your home is at? Levels will vary from one room to the next, and it can be difficult to tell if your home has a humidity issue or if it’s just muggy weather outside. One way to know exactly how humid your home has become is to install humidity monitors in different zones of your property, which can provide readouts directly on a screen or send them to your phone.
But you can still tell if your home is too humid without monitors. Look for these common signs:
- Moldy or musty smells, especially in closets, cabinets, or bathrooms
- Foggy bathrooms with heavy or warm air; in the winter, overly humid air will feel moist or clammer
- A stuffy feeling
- Creaky floorboards and moist walls or walls with condensation
- Increased allergies, more severe asthma symptoms, or difficulty breathing
- More corrosion or rust on metal fixtures and appliances
- Visible mold and mildew in the shower or sink
Any of these signs can indicate poor ventilation and high humidity levels that can be dangerous for your home or its inhabitants.
Steps You Can Take to Lower Humidity in Your House
Luckily, there are several different strategies you can use to lower humidity levels in your home. Take these steps:
- Frequently open your home windows to create a cross-breeze. Fresh air can reduce humidity levels.
- Use a dehumidifier unit. Portable or plug-in dehumidifiers can help you reduce humidity levels in specific areas of your room. They’re useful in rooms with high levels of humidity (such as bathrooms) or rooms with poor ventilation (such as closets and laundry rooms).
- Have your HVAC serviced. HVACs play a critical role in keeping your home’s air cool, free of allergens, and at the right humidity level. If it’s not performing correctly, schedule an appointment with a service technician.
- Get professional dehumidification and moisture control services. If you’ve recently had a flood or water leak in your home, lingering moisture could be to blame for high humidity. Professional services can draw excess moisture out of the air, furnishings, flooring, and walls.
Why Humidity Matters
Humidity levels affect the comfort and safety of your home. Once the levels are too high, it can cause mold, decay, respiratory issues, and more. High humidity is especially dangerous in the summer, when it can encourage more mold and mildew growth or make it hard for people to adequately cool off. By implementing humidity control measures as soon as possible to lower humidity, you can protect your home, have cleaner air, and keep your family safer from potential respiratory conditions and toxic allergens.
Help With Humidity for Your Home
At Steamatic of North Indianapolis, we can help you reduce your home’s humidity back down to safe levels. Our team is here to help with everything from water damage to mold remediation. Reach out today to reduce humidity levels in your home and enjoy the benefits of lower humidity.
Contact us after a water leak or water damage, or schedule an appointment to plan long-term solutions for humidity control throughout your home.
IMG Credit: Sasha Chornyi
