Why Humidity Is Bad for Your House, and What You Can Do About It

One of the hidden dangers of being a homeowner is humidity in the house. On hot days, it seems like you can’t escape the unbearable humidity in your home. We’ll explore the answer to is humidity bad in the home, and ways you can lower it.

What Is Humidity?

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. The higher the humidity, the muggier it feels outside. On hot days, the air can hold more moisture and this is when we start to feel sticky and icky. While humidity might not seem like a big deal, it can actually cause some serious problems in your home.

Does High Humidity Damage The House?

The short answer is yes. Humidity can damage your home in a lot of ways. It can cause wood to warp, paint to blister, and wallpaper to peel. It can also create an environment where mold and mildew can flourish.

Also, high humidity levels can be very uncomfortable in your house. The ideal humidity level should not exceed 50%. You’ll have more of a challenge to keep humidity levels lower on hot, summer days. It’s essential your HVAC unit is running properly to keep your home comfortable.

What Are Ways To Lower Humidity in My Home?

There are some different steps to lower the humidity in your house.

1. Use your air conditioner. Always schedule a tune-up before peak seasons so your AC is running up to speed. You can also use a programmable thermostat that measures the humidity in the air.
2. Buy a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are another tool to get moisture out of the air. They are relatively inexpensive, and most people place them in basements as they can get pretty humid.
3. Use some houseplants. Believe it or not, certain houseplants can help control the humidity in your home. Plants like Boston ferns, Peace lilies, and Snake plants are great at purifying the air and absorbing moisture.
4. Open the windows. On cooler days, you can open the windows to lower the humidity. The cross breeze will help circulate the air and dry things out. Plus it’s nice to have the windows open and get fresh air without relying on your air conditioner all the time.
5. Seal any leaks. If your home is drafty, that could be one of the reasons for high humidity levels. Check for any cracks or gaps around doors and windows and seal them off with weather-stripping or caulk.

As a homeowner, you should be aware of the dangers of humidity. High humidity levels can cause damage to your home and also create an uncomfortable living environment. Luckily, there are ways to lower the humidity in your house using some of the tips above. You’ll keep the humidity at bay, and be a lot more comfortable!

Categorised in: Humidity