4 Easy Ways to Reduce Humidity At Home
Maintaining an ideal level of humidity in your home has many benefits. When there is too much moisture in the air, you may have problems with condensation on windows, mold growth, and allergies. To avoid these issues, take steps to reduce humidity in the home.
Fix Leaks
Leaking plumbing pipes or water from a damaged roof can lead to excessive moisture in the home. Water also causes staining, structural damage, and mold growth, so it’s important to fix leaks as soon as you notice them. Keep up with roof and plumbing maintenance to help prevent leaks.
Dehumidifiers Reduce Humidity in the Home
Dehumidifiers are affordable, easy to operate, and are available in a variety of sizes. When the tank is full, the unit will shut off. If you struggle with high humidity, set up your dehumidifier to empty via a drain hose.
Position the unit somewhere near a low drain like those often found on the basement floor. Connect a hose to the dehumidifier and direct it into the drain. The water fills the tank then overflows into the hose, allowing the unit to run continuously. If you use a hose, program your dehumidifier to the desired humidity setting instead of running continuously, which could leave your home too dry.
Ventilating the Crawlspace
A common source of humidity inside a home is moisture beneath it. Rainfall and runoff work their way under the home, leaving the soil damp. That moisture contributes to humidity in the living spaces. A well-built home should have a vapor barrier below the floor, but even when it does, the barrier may have been damaged or deteriorated over time.
Reduce humidity at home by adding plastic to the bottom of your floor joists and learn to properly manage your foundation vents. Close them during the winter to keep cold air out, then open them again in the spring as humidity rises.
Using the Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner works similarly to a dehumidifier. When humidity levels are high, run the system for a few hours each day to remove excess moisture from the air.
Maintaining the right level of humidity will make your home safer and more comfortable. Keep an eye on moisture levels and use these tips to reduce humidity at home.
Blackbird Home Inspections offers inspections to customers in Central Arkansas. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request our services.