Summer is coming – and that means that it’s about to get hot and humid. Last summer saw some of the wildest weather in New Jersey, with tropical temperatures, heavy rainfall, and even a brush with a hurricane. This summer doesn’t promise to be much of an improvement, but with proper humidity management, you don’t have to suffer.

High humidity can also exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms. According to the National Association of Realtors®, moisture and air quality were two of the top concerns that most homeowners have regarding how healthy their homes are to live in.

Optimal Humidity

High humidity levels in your home aren’t just uncomfortable. They can also cause mold and mildew, which can damage your furniture, fixtures, and even your clothing.

High humidity also puts an extra load on your HVAC system. This means it runs longer and uses more electricity. It also shortens the life of your system and increases the chance you’ll need repairs.

Several experts have weighed in on the optimal humidity levels for indoor spaces. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends levels between 45 and 65 percent. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping it below 60 percent to prevent mold growth.

Managing Humidity

So, how can you reduce or manage the level of humidity in your home without burning out your air conditioner?

We have a few tips to help you prevent exacerbating an already troubling situation. These tips can take the load off of your HVAC system while helping to reduce the steamy heat buildup in your home.

1. Install and use exhaust fans

Using an exhaust fan in your bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, or other damp areas can vent any excess moisture to the outside air.

2. Update the menu

Avoid preparing foods that produce a lot of steam and heat in the kitchen. For summer, pasta is out, and Charcuterie boards and salads are in.

3. Repair plumbing leaks

Slow, insidious leaks can lurk under sinks and behind appliances. These can increase the moisture levels in your home while causing damage to the floors and cabinetry.

4. Add moisture absorbers

Moisture absorbers are available in grocery stores and work well for dehumidifying small spaces where humid air accumulates. Commercial brands are usually made from calcium chloride or silica gel. However, you can make your own with baking soda or unused charcoal briquettes.

5. Ensure proper airflow

Summertime is not the time to shut off unused rooms in your home. Humidity removal requires good airflow throughout your home. Aim for a consistent temperature throughout the house, which will also provide better humidity management.

6. Weatherproofing

Weatherproofing isn’t just for winter. Moisture can infiltrate your home through minute gaps in windows and around doors.

7. Seal off crawl spaces

Seal off crawlspaces, basements, and cellars in your home that have dirt floors. Moisture can infiltrate your home from the bare earth. Standard 6 mil polyethylene sheets can prevent this moisture from entering the house and adding to the humidity problem.

8. Reduce hot water showers

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cool shower in the heat of summer. It also makes less steam in the bathroom, reducing the moisture levels circulating throughout your home.

If you don’t find cool showers tolerable, then take shorter showers, using the vent fan.

9. Cold water wash

Your laundry room can produce a lot of steam, so go eco-friendly this summer and use cold water settings on your machine. It will save on electricity costs, as well as help with overall humidity management.

You should also make sure the dryer vent is sound and not leaking heat and humidity into your home.

10. Check HVAC drains

Your air conditioning system generally removes enough moisture from the air in your home, but this water needs to be effective drained away. Check the condensate pan and drainpipe on your indoor AC unit to make sure they’re clean and free-draining.

11. Use ceiling fans

While they don’t actively remove humidity, increasing air movement will help with evaporation and make you feel cooler and drier.

12. Add a dehumidifier

From portable room-sized units to whole-house dehumidifiers, these handy appliances with pull moisture from the air.

A whole-home dehumidifier offers the best humidity management, providing increased comfort and better air quality, as well as adding to the value of your home.

Make an appointment today with the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Pleasantville for an estimate on a whole-home dehumidifier.