Too much humidity causes mold and mildew growth in your home, and can create condensation in your walls. This leads to structural damage and wood rot. Furthermore, humid air and damp surfaces cause bad odors and even damage to paint, wallpaper and furniture.
More importantly, excessive humidity is also bad for you and your loved ones. It contributes to respiratory problems, allergy flare-ups, and sleep interruptions.
There are many things to love about summer. Humidity isn’t one of them. Thankfully, there are ways to get rid of the moisture in your home.
Here are tips for keeping the humidity at a comfy level during Chicago’s summer months:
Use your air conditioner
A well maintained air conditioner naturally helps reduce indoor humidity because it is introducing cooler air while removing warm, humid air.
Actively use exhaust/ventilation fans
When you’re showering or cooking over a hot stove, use your ventilation fans. And, keep them on a little longer after finishing with your activities.
Take cooler showers
Hot showers equal humid air, and they are the enemy of home comfort in this scenario. By lowering the temperature of your showers just a few degrees, you will release less steam into the air, while feeling quite refreshed during those sizzling summer days.
Use a clothesline
Rather than putting your wet clothes in the dryer, try drying laundry outdoors. Particularly in warm months, wet clothes add humidity to the air. Try using a clothesline or an outdoor drying rack.
Move your houseplants
If your home has a lot of indoor plants, this could be causing your humidity level to increase. Temporarily relocate greenery to either a single well-ventilated room, or place outside during the warm months.
Use charcoal
You may have charcoal briquettes lying around for barbecuing purposes. They can also help to dehumidify your home. Charcoal will suck moisture out of the air and absorb it. Simply place a few briquettes in a container – like a basket or can – and replace them every couple months. You could instead use rock salt (halite), baking soda, or cat litter.
Keep your gutters clean
Gutters are often the cause of indoor water leaks, which are bad for your home, your humidity level, and you. Clean your gutters, and make certain your downspout is extended at least six feet away from the house.
Check your weather stripping
By weather stripping around your windows and doors, you create an airtight seal, preventing outside humidity from seeping into your home.
Install a vapor barrier
If you have a crawl space, moisture from the soil might be entering your home and increasing the humidity level. Consider installing a plastic liner over the soil to prevent humidity from entering your living space.
Use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers fit right inside your furnace air handler, and remove moisture from the air as it passes through. When that air reaches you, it’s dry and cool – just the way you like to be in the summer. The best part is you’ll need to use your air conditioner less often, because it helps keep humidity levels low. Translated, this means a more comfortable environment for you and less money spent on cooling bills.
Fix leaking pipes
The last thing you want to do when trying to reduce indoor humidity is to add moisture. Leaking pipes and faucets can do just that. Fix any leaks and wrap exposed pipes in insulators, as this will keep condensation from forming. Signs of leaks include stained drywall, wet spots, and irregular or increased water bills.
High humidity in your home in the summertime can be the worst.
You and your family members want a way to relieve the discomfort, and focus on enjoying the summer you’ve spent all winter looking forward to.
At a humidity level of 30-50%, you’ll find the balance between too much moisture and not enough, which keeps both you and your home comfortable.
We Help Homeowners
Flader Plumbing and Heating is uniquely suited to assist you in determining the solution that best fits your home and family’s needs. We’ve been serving your neighbors and our community for over 100 years and 4 generations.
The Flader Difference
Only Flader Plumbing and Heating delivers:
- The most responsive service. We’re here for you 24/7.
- Personal attention from certified and licensed technicians.
- The most dependable equipment and parts.
- Money-saving maintenance agreements.
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
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Flader Plumbing and Heating recommends equipment, models, and brands proven to have the fewest problems and service calls. We specialize in:
Comprehensive Services
Whether you’re looking to reduce the humidity in your home, need a new water heater, or are looking to have your sump pump checked out, we are knowledgeable and provide expert service. Our professional technicians arrive on time, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions. They will recommend the right solution and deliver as promised.
Flader technicians average 15 years of experience and are EPA certified.
Expert service, quality parts, and satisfaction guaranteed. There is no reason to compromise. Call us at 847-491-6980.
