4 Ways to Control Humidity Levels in Your Home

It is possible for a home to have too much humidity. This is dangerous as it will encourage mold growth and bring on a whole bunch of respiratory problems. Plus, it makes you makes you more susceptible to allergies and asthma attack. Low humidity levels, on the other hand, can allow germs and viruses to thrive. This makes you more susceptible to colds and respiratory diseases, dry hair and skin.

In Erie Colorado, specifically, we often are asked if humidity is a problem homeowners need to worry about. The common consensus is no, but the reality is that crawl spaces, even in Colorado, can have high relative humidity. Typically basements and crawlspaces are cooler. When the warm air enters from outside, it then cools. This causes the relative humidity to increase. In fact, every degree the air cools, the relative humidity increases by 2.2%. At 70% relative humidity, mold grows on wood, drywall, and carpet.

Managing humidity levels in your home isn’t just vital to your health, it is also vital to the health of your home.

Here are 4 ways to control humidity levels in your home.

Measure it

Since both high and low humidity levels bring about problems, you may want to monitor it closely. Get a hygrometer so you can check the humidity levels in your home from time to time. Anything over 50% is too high. Anything under 30% is too dry.

If the reading is more than 50%, then you need to take steps to reduce it. In the winter months, humidity levels usually drops to 30%. Check it once in a while to make sure it doesn’t get lower than that.

Use a dehumidifier

You may want to get a humidifier if you have obvious signs of high humidity. This device helps lower the humidity level in your home, making it less susceptible to mold, mildew and dust mites. A less humid environment reduces your risk of respiratory problems and skin irritation. You’ll also breathe easier and feel more comfortable in your home.

Routine HVAC maintenance

Your cooling system doesn’t just help keep your home comfortable during the summer months; it also removes moisture from the air. When your AC isn’t in top shape or if there is leak in your ducts, this contributes to high humidity levels.

To keep humidity under control, we recommend having your HVAC system checked and inspected annually. Not only will it prevent humidity issues, it will also ensure that your system is working efficiently.

Install exhaust fans

You may not realize it, but normal activities like showering and cooking increases humidity in your home. This is especially true if your bathroom or kitchen is not adequately ventilated. A simple way to decrease humidity is to install exhaust fans in these areas. Turn it on after cooking or showering to prevent moisture from staying in those areas.