During the summer, the humidity level in your home may rise. Although this phenomenon is normal, when excess moisture in your home is left unchecked, it can encourage mould and bacteria to proliferate and cause damage to your walls, furniture and wood flooring. Here’s what you should know about managing humidity in your home.
How to Prevent Humidity from Becoming an Issue
Here are five tips for keeping the humidity level in your home in check:
1. Change or clean your air filter every 30 to 60 days. This will ensure your AC system is working efficiently and that any excess moisture in your home is eliminated.
2. Seal leaks around your windows and doors with caulk and weatherstrip to create an airtight seal and prevent humid air from entering your home.
3. Actively use your bathroom, kitchen and dryer exhaust fans to help remove excess humidity from the air caused by showering, cooking and drying clothes.
4. Use portable and/or ceiling fans to increase air circulation throughout your home. The breeze will help evaporate any excess moisture in the air to keep your home cool and comfortable.
5. Install a dehumidifier on your AC system to keep humidity levels under control. For example, a whole-home dehumidifier can be retrofit to your existing unit to help remove moisture from the air as it enters your home. If you don’t want to invest in a such a large system, purchasing a portable dehumidifier can help decrease the humidity in certain rooms.
If you’re concerned about the humidity level in your home, you may want to invest in a hygrometer or humidistat so you can monitor it more closely. In general, a relative humidity level between 30 and 50 per cent is ideal.
How to Tell if the Humidity in your Home is too High
There are three telltale signs of high indoor humidity: condensation or fog along the edges of your windows, mould growth and a persistent, musty smell. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to have one of the HVAC specialists in Calgary from Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning come and inspect the issue. Getting to the root of the problem is important for keeping you and your family safe as well as ensuring your AC system doesn’t become overworked.
Ventilation Solutions in Calgary
Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning carries a variety of ventilation systems to ensure the air inside your home doesn’t get thick with humidity or other pollutants. Our technicians also provide expert installation, repair and maintenance services on air conditioners, furnaces, gas fittings and more. Contact us today to learn more.