Why Is My House Humid?
Those who live in southern states are familiar with high humidity levels. Homeowners in Georgia are no exception. Many residents of Barrow County and surrounding areas can experience high levels of humidity, both outside and inside their homes. Do you know what causes your home to feel muggy and humid?
There are lots of causes for high humidity in your house. Follow this guide from Absolute Comfort Air to learn about common causes of high humidity and how to solve them.
Humidity Levels Shift with Everyday Activities
It almost goes without saying that climate affects humidity. Those of us living closer to the coast experience higher humidity levels than our more landlocked neighbors. But there is more at play when it comes to indoor humidity than just one’s proximity to the ocean.
Activities like laundry, showering and using the dishwasher all contribute to the moisture level in your home. Often, these appliances use hot water, which releases water vapor into the air. Depending on the size of your household, regular daily activities can add a lot of moisture to the air.
Poor Ventilation and Humidity
High levels of humidity can make your home feel uncomfortable. The air can feel heavy or even sticky. Poor ventilation in your home can trap the humidity inside, making the situation worse. What can you do to solve it?
- Open windows. Allow fresh air to flow through your space and release some of the heavy humid air.
- Change air filter. Sometimes replacing your air conditioner’s air filter can change how your indoor space feels.
- Test indoor air quality. If you’ve been dealing with high humidity for too long, consider scheduling an indoor air quality test. Your humidity levels may be an indicator of a more serious problem.
A Bigger AC Unit Can be Problematic
A large AC unit can cool your space in a 10-15 minute cycle. While this sounds efficient, it is not long enough for the evaporator coils to pull humidity from the air. An AC system that is too large for the space can make humidity levels too high. Also, if your system isn’t running efficiently, you may find yourself in need of AC repair. Make sure your cooling system is the right size for your home.
Do You Need a Dehumidifier?
When your living space is constantly humid, it can have an impact on your comfort and overall wellness. How can you tell if you’re experiencing high humidity?
- You suffer from chronic allergies
- Your home has a damp smell
- You notice more pests indoors
- Your clothes and linens smell like mildew
- The air in your home is constantly muggy
If you are struggling with any of the issues listed above, you might benefit from a home dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can remove excess moisture from the air and help alleviate your discomfort.
When You Need a Humidifier
A humidifier is a product most commonly used in the winter months. As we turn our heaters on in the winter, the air in our homes feels drier. Often, people will use their humidifier and heater simultaneously to keep their space comfortable. Common signs of low humidity are:
- Dry skin and lips
- Itchy, sore throat
- Snoring symptoms
- Headaches and bloody noses
- Wilting or dying houseplants
Adding moisture to your space is important to balance out the temperature. If the moisture level is too low, you may find yourself vulnerable to illness more easily and staying sick for longer.
It is possible to install a whole-house humidifier/dehumidifier within your HVAC system to regulate your humidity levels. During your next routine furnace maintenance, ask your technician about installing a home humidifier.
Breathe Easier with Absolute Comfort
Whether your home feels constantly muggy or you experience cycles of dry and dusty air, there is a solution that’s right for you. Investing in a home humidifier/dehumidifier can help your household breathe easier. These appliances regulate the humidity levels in your home without you having to constantly monitor your space. At Absolute Comfort Air, your comfort is our business. Contact us for more information today!
