HIGH HOME HUMIDITY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Have you started to notice higher levels of humidity outdoors? The humidity always spikes around this time of year because warm air has the capacity to hold more water than cool air. Coming off of the winter dryness, this may seem like a relief. However, when your indoor humidity begins rising to excessive heights, it can impact your health and the health of your home. What does indoor humidity mean for you and what can you do about it? The experts at Newcomb and Company are here with insight.

Why Does Home Humidity Matter?

While some humidity is necessary for keeping your skin healthy and the air fresh, too much moisture can spell trouble for you and your home. You might first notice the irritation that high home humidity can provide. The moisture and heat can make your home feel uncomfortable. Upon closer look, this could be the least of your concerns when it comes to home humidity.

One of the primary concerns of humidity is the potential health risks it poses. This moisture can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, leading to poor air indoor quality and other health concerns. These concerns also extend to your home. Over time, mold and bacteria growth can cause rot and even structural damage. This may also make your home more difficult to sell when it is time to move.

Why is the Air Inside of My Home Humid?

When the humidity levels rise outside, the air in your home will also begin to carry more moisture. However, this should not become excessive or uncomfortable. So what creates this problem for homes? There are a few potential culprits for high indoor humidity:

BROKEN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

When your air conditioning system cools the warm and humid outdoor air, it releases all of the extra water it was carrying. This transition can produce up to 20 gallons of water each day, which is caught by your drain pan and released outdoors by your condensate line. If your air conditioning system is leaking or broken, this extra water may get stuck indoors. This could be an issue with your drain pan, your drain line, your evaporator coil, or another component of your system.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE SETTINGS AND BROKEN SYSTEMS

The Department of Energy suggests that the best way to save money on your HVAC energy usage is to set your air conditioning system to the highest comfortable temperature. However, if your system is set too high, it will not convert to cool, comfortable air or release the excess moisture entering your home. The same goes for broken air conditioning systems. Without the cooling effects of your air conditioner, your indoor air humidity will remain unaffected.

VULNERABLE AND INEFFICIENT HOMES

Humidity in your home may be let in by unwanted ventilation. If your air conditioning system is working perfectly, cracks and broken seals in your home could still let the humid outdoor air inside. Not only will this lead to higher humidity in your home, but it will also strain your AC system and lead to higher monthly electricity bills.

PLUMBING PROBLEMS

If you have a leaky pipe, a broken fixture, or another plumbing problem, it could be leaving extra standing water in your home. Not only could this cause water damage, high water bills, and plumbing concerns, but it could also be creating harmful levels of humidity. This compounded concern makes it essential to call a plumber at the first signs of a leak. A professional can help you identify and fix the source of the problem before the damage spreads.

NATURAL CAUSES OF INDOOR HUMIDITY

Many of your daily activities could be releasing humidity in your homes. For example, cooking, hot showers, running the kettle, watering your plants, and hanging clothes to dry inside can all release moisture. These are not activities you have to give up because of the humidity they cause, but it is important to remain aware of the moisture in your home and take measures to prevent it.

Your home’s humidity may be sourced to one or more of these problems. Identifying and caring for your home as early as possible can minimize the damage done and the cost of any needed repairs.

What Can I Do About Home Humidity?

It is clear that high home humidity can be easy to come by and dangerous to maintain. Thankfully, there are a few protective measures you can take to keep safe levels of humidity in your home.

• First, it is essential that you keep your home’s air conditioning system and plumbing systems are working as they should. This will help keep your home, indoor temperature, and humidity regulated.
• Next, you may consider home sealing to help keep outdoor air from coming inside. This will ensure that the unwanted humidity stays outside where it belongs.
• Additionally, you can help indoor humidity by keeping your fan on while cooking, showering, or doing any other activities that cause high levels of moisture. If the moisture inside of your home is still excessively high, you might consider investing in an affordable dehumidifier.
• Finally, it is important to get the professional help you need at the first sign of an issue. The longer a problem with your home exists, the harder it may be to manage.

If you need help identifying the source of your home’s humidity, consider contacting an expert for insight. With the right support, you can keep your home healthy and protected.

Newcomb and Company Humidity Solutions

If your home is high in humidity, the experts at Newcomb and Company have a variety of services to help. Our Wilmington and Raleigh HVAC experts can diagnose an issue with your air conditioning system that may be allowing extra moisture in your home. The Raleigh plumbers of Newcomb and Company can address any pipe leaks or fixture damage that could be leaving behind excess water. If unwanted ventilation is the source of your concerns, our energy efficiency experts are here for you. Contact Newcomb and Company today to make an appointment and begin protecting your home from high humidity!