Why Is It So Humid In My House?
Comfort in the home extends beyond the temperature. Humidity is another factor to consider for families. It is the quantity of moisture present in the air. People may begin to notice and feel adverse consequences when humidity levels surpass the recommended range. “Why is my house so humid?” is a frequently asked question by homeowners. Continue reading to discover more about the causes of high humidity and how to solve this indoor air quality problem.
Why Is It So Humid In My House?
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If your air conditioner is operating properly but you are still uncomfortable, you should check the interior humidity level. It’s possible that the humidity has become too high. Experts recommend that the moisture content of the air remain between 30% and 50%. Falling significantly below the minimum is harmful to the home. Likewise, exceeding the maximum advised level is equally harmful. Residences may have high humidity as a result of improper construction, damage to property, mismatched equipment, and climatic factors.
Why High Humidity Is Harmful
The body generates perspiration to commence evaporative cooling when it is hot. However, considerable humidity indicates that the air already contains a great deal of moisture. Sweat does not evaporate easily, thus it remains on the skin. This causes individuals to feel hot and sticky regardless of the interior temperature. In addition to the discomfort, there is also the risk of being dehydrated since the body will continue to produce more perspiration in an effort to cool down even when there is no relief. The water and electrolytes that have been lost must be replaced.
The family may also have health issues. Common indoor air pollutants, like bacteria, thrive in warm, moist settings. In places with the highest levels of moisture, there is a possibility that they will begin to flourish. Similarly, mold, dust mites, and mildew thrive in damp environments, wreaking havoc on your air quality. Mold spores may cause allergy responses in persons with a heightened susceptibility. Asthma attacks may occur in individuals with impaired respiratory systems. Others might complain of having trouble breathing and having trouble sleeping during the night.
How Can You Determine If Your Home Has Excessive Humidity?
If you are aware of what signs to look for, you will be able to see that there is an excessive amount of humidity. You may have already observed these indicators without realizing the link. This time, you have the opportunity to perform a more complete examination and look for the following things:
1. Visible Condensation
In chilly conditions, air moisture may transform from a gas to a liquid. This is particularly likely to occur around window panes. Because of the water droplets that are on the glass, it may get cloudy, and in order to see clearly, you will need to wipe away the moisture. Additionally, moisture may be evident on metal doors.
2. Peeling Paint
Occasionally, you may observe dampness on the walls as a result of excessive humidity. You may also observe paint or wallpaper that has formed bubbles or creases. Due to continuous exposure to moisture, the paint may begin to flake.
3. Wet Stains
Check the ceiling to see whether it still has a consistent hue. If you detect wet stains, this indicates that the home’s humidity level is above average. Occasionally, these stains might also extend to the walls.
4. Dark Spots
Examine surfaces for dark spots, since they are indicators of mold and mildew. The color of the fungus is usually dark green or black. Bathrooms, basements and attics are all places where mold can flourish because of the high humidity levels they have.
5. Constant Sweating
As for bodily indicators of excessive humidity, continuous sweating would rank first. Normal skin perspiration evaporates rapidly and gives a cooling effect. You will become hot and sticky if your perspiration never stops. Because there is already a high concentration of moisture in the air around it, it cannot evaporate.
What Causes High Humidity in Your House?
1. Daily Activities
We utilize a substantial amount of water in our homes for bathing, washing, as well as cooking. A portion of the water evaporates and forms water vapor in the interior air. If the home is well-designed, this will only raise humidity for a short period of time.
2. Poor Ventilation
It is important for damp places to have adequate ventilation so that any excess moisture can dissipate into the air outside, keeping the indoor humidity within the acceptable range. For the purpose of removing excess moisture, many bathrooms are equipped with either windows or exhaust fans.
3. Plumbing Leaks
Leaks in the plumbing or the roofing could be the cause of the excess moisture. To solve these issues, you might require the assistance of a roofing contractor or a plumber. They are able to identify the cause of the problem and provide a solution that is long-lasting.
4. Excessively Large Air Conditioner
It’s possible that the problem stems from an imbalance between the capacity of the air conditioner and the level of cooling required by the home. An oversized air conditioner will quickly reach the temperature set on the thermostat and will turn off by itself before it has a chance to remove excess moisture from the air. A replacement for the HVAC system might be required.
5. Moisture Seepage
Last but not least, keep an eye out for any moisture that may have made its way into the house from the ground. It is possible for water to seep through walls and moisten the surfaces of the basement. This issue can be minimized by ensuring that there is adequate ventilation and waterproofing.
The Advantages of Having Optimal Levels Of Humidity
We have already determined that an increase in humidity leads to an increase in the number of contaminants and allergens in the air. Such undesired particles can be controlled by decreasing the amount of moisture that is present in the air, which will help prevent respiratory problems. Home surroundings will be healthier. The sensation of being sweaty and sticky will also disappear. The family will be more comfortable all year round if the humidity level is reduced.
There are multiple negative effects associated with extremely low humidity. It may cause your skin to become dry, your eyes to become sore, your sinuses to become irritated, and congestion in your nose. It’s possible for houseplants to die, and wallpaper could come off the wall. Cracks and splits can occur in hardwood flooring. A prolonged period of low humidity can harm wood furniture in the same way. As a result, maintaining the humidity within the appropriate range is very crucial. There are thermometers that can measure humidity in addition to temperature, allowing for continuous monitoring of both variables.
How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home
1. Utilize a Dehumidifier
These devices are able to remove moisture from the air and as the name suggests, lower the humidity levels inside a building. They are available in a variety of sizes to cater to the specific requirements of each individual house. A whole-house dehumidifier could be a great choice for homeowners.
2. Enhance Ventilation
In places like the kitchen and the bathroom, where there is a lot of moisture, you want to make sure there is adequate air circulation. Windows should be kept open whenever possible. Turn on any exhaust fans that are present so that the moist air can be pushed out of the building.
3. Weatherstripping
By sealing the margins of doors and windows, you may prevent moist air from the outside from entering your home. To make a seal that is completely airtight, you should use weatherstripping supplies. Caulking is another option for sealing the gaps along the edges of damp areas such as sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.
4. Improve Insulation
Insulation helps prevent conditioned air from passing through cracks in the walls. Additionally, it acts as a thermal barrier between the interior and exterior of the building.
5. Appropriate Sizing of Air Conditioning
HVAC specialists can assess if the current air conditioner is the proper size for the home during routine maintenance. Old, huge air conditioning units can be replaced with a smaller unit that suits the house’s cooling requirements and decreases humidity to the right level.
Conclusion
The issue of excessive humidity is affecting a large number of houses. Confronting the issue head-on will put an end to the discomfort and help establish an environment that is healthy. Make use of the tips in this article, and if the problem persists, seek the help of HVAC specialists. They are able to give you innovative solutions at affordable prices.
Call Lawes Company For All Your HVAC Needs
Lawes Company offers unparalleled heating and cooling solutions in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. Our team is made up of the most qualified HVAC professionals who can perform superior heating and air conditioning tune-ups, repairs, installs, and replacements. All our specialists can properly service your HVAC system the first time around.
Lawes Company assures the most cost-effective heating and cooling service around. Improve your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency with the help of our maintenance and repair solutions. If you require HVAC repair or replacement, we can propose a solution that fits within your budget. To ensure your complete satisfaction, we back all of our services with a guarantee. Call Lawes Company right now to make a service appointment. We provide free estimates.
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