Humidity Management in Washington State
The dog days of summer have arrived, and everyone knows how it feels to step outside in that hot, humid weather. Fortunately, most public buildings as well as the majority of homes in Tacoma have air conditioning so we can escape when we need some relief.
However, indoor humidity problems go beyond feeling uncomfortable. According to HVAC.com, both too much and too little humidity can cause problems both in your home and to your health. Our professionals at
Resicon LLC want to help you better manage your indoor humidity levels so they stay in the ideal range of 35 percent to 50 percent, maximizing your comfort all year long.
Problems With Too Much Humidity
If you notice that you have condensation on your windows or wet spots on your walls or ceilings, you may have high humidity problems. In the long run, too much humidity can encourage growth of mold and mildew throughout your home and cause a musty smell. Family members who are allergic to mold can suffer respiratory distress. Severe humidity combined with high temperatures can cause heat stroke, particularly in older individuals who might have health issues. In the most severe cases, your home may suffer structural damage from wet, rotting building materials.
Problems With Too Little Humidity
During the winter months, you may find that your home’s humidity levels are too low. This can cause minor discomforts such as bloody noses, static shock, chapped skin and lips, and scratchy throats. Low humidity can also result in family members feeling extra cold as well as promote the growth of bacteria and viruses.
Besides human health issues, low humidity can damage wood floors and furniture by causing shrinking and warping, negatively affect wallpaper, and irreparably damaging musical instruments.
HVAC Maintenance
Your number one line of defense is to keep your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system well maintained. Besides keeping your home cool in the summer, your air conditioner helps remove the moisture (humidity) in your home.
If you have a humidifier or dehumidifier system attached to your central HVAC system, these should be cleaned, inspected and maintained twice a year to make sure they are working properly. In addition, our HVAC professionals can check your home’s whole system for leaks and drainage issues, which can add to humidity problems.
Spot Management
Many Washington homeowners are familiar with stand-alone humidifiers and dehumidifiers. These smaller, affordable appliances can help with humidity management in particular areas of the home for specific needs. For example, a room humidifier can bring welcomed relief in the bedroom of a family member suffering from the flu during the dry winter. A dehumidifier placed strategically in the basement can keep mold growth at bay.
Little Things
Homeowners can also remember to do little things around their home to manage humidity levels. For example, if you’re seeking to reduce humidity:
- Take shorter showers.
- Vent kitchens and bathrooms outdoors.
- Keep air circulation high.
- Dry firewood outdoors.
- Vent dryers to outside or hang out laundry outside.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking to increase humidity during the dry, winter months, you can do some opposite things:
- Air dry clothes and dishes.
- Release bathroom and kitchen humidity into the house.
- Allow water to evaporate from pans of water near your furnace, fireplace or on vents and registers.
- Make tea instead of coffee.
- Cook indoors more.
- Add some houseplants to your decor.
Learn more about humidity control by calling Resicon LLC in Tacoma, WA. Our team would be happy to come out and conduct regular maintenance or talk with you about humidifier and dehumidifier options. Call 253-625-7952 or contact us online today.