5 Ways to Reduce Indoor Humidity
Let’s start with the obvious: humidity is a breeding ground for mold, mildew—and mosquitoes, too. Knowing how much we hate all of the above, there is little upside to a sticky hot, humid day.
Midwest Air Pros understands the importance of helping you control your indoor environment—especially the indoor humidity and air quality levels. When it comes to the comfort and safety of you and your loved ones, our companies in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska take a whole-house approach from the ground up.
Whether it’s plumbing, HVAC, or electrical, find a pro at Midwest Air Pros to help get the job done right! Here are five ways to reduce indoor humidity:
1. Measure the Indoor Humidity
First, you need to know the scope of the issue. To measure your indoor humidity, you can purchase a relatively inexpensive tool called a hygrometer. Most hardware stores sell them.
Indoor relative humidity always should be maintained below 60 percent. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, your ideal indoor relative humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. Anything over 60 percent is an invitation for mold, bacteria, and other problems.
2. Purchase a Humidifier
Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier to effectively reduce the moisture from your home or business in Des Moines, Omaha, Springfield, and other areas in the Midwest. These systems seamlessly integrate with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to reduce moisture in every room. Humidity can trigger respiratory issues—zap it with a dehumidifier.
3. Upgrade your AC
You can measure your air conditioner efficiency through its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficiently the air conditioner runs. A decent SEER rating between 15 and 18 gets the job done for residential heating and cooling systems.
A typical air conditioner starts to run down after 10 years. If your AC system is older than that, consider a replacement plan. The money you save in lower utility bills, coupled with a significant increase in cooling comfort, makes it a worthwhile investment for you Kansas City home.
4. Open Windows, Run Fans
Opening windows even for a few minutes each day goes a long way toward improving indoor ventilation. On a pleasant day when your AC does not need to run, crack open a few windows, and let in the breeze. Running fans in your Wichita home or business also helps to circulate the air and reduces humidity.
How can you reduce moisture? Open windows whenever possible. Run a fan to help circulate the air. Be sure your bathroom is properly vented and try taking cold showers in the summer.
5. Fix Those Leaks!
Keep an eye out for trickling faucets or condensation on your pipes. Leaky pipes and faucets waste water, drive up your energy bills, and add moisture into the air. Clean your gutters to avoid water build-up, and adjust your downspouts to direct the water away from your home. These little steps can make a positive impact on your indoor air quality.
Call Your Air Quality Experts Today!
Let’s face it—humidity is a drag. At Midwest Air Pros, you can find an expert closest to your home in Springfield, MO, Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, Omaha, NE, and other parts of the Midwest to improve your indoor air quality. Our companies can help you with all your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs. Find a pro at Midwest Air Pros to get the job done right!