HOW TO TELL IF THE HUMIDITY IN MY HOME IS TOO HIGH

When the humidity is above 50%, the air can feel muggy and sticky. The excess moisture in the air can wreak havoc on your home and your body. How can you tell if you have high humidity?

How to Tell If You Have High Humidity

Fog on your windows is one of the clearest indicators of high humidity. You might see dark, wet stains on your ceiling or walls. If you see a new stain on your walls, don’t ignore it! Wet spots can lead to mold and mildew, which are another symptom of high humidity. Even if you can’t see the spores, your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room may smell musty or dank. Wallpaper can start to bubble, and the paint on your walls might peel. High humidity can lead to fungus, bacteria, and mold. Pests like termites, dust mites, and cockroaches, thrive in this type of warm, moist environment, and their presence can lead to health issues.

If you notice that your hair is frizzier than usual, that could be a sign that your humidity is too high. Elderly people, children, and people with asthma might have a harder time breathing, and coughing, sneezing, and congestion may become an issue. The humid air has more water and less oxygen, which makes it more difficult to breathe.

How to Lower Humidity In Your Home

Bathrooms and kitchens are high in humidity because running showers and sinks can quickly add moisture to the air. Reduce high humidity by opening a window or using a fan when you’re taking a shower, cooking, or washing dishes. Air conditioners can help; those drain pans are actually filling up with water that your AC unit removes from the air. If high humidity is a serious problem in your home, you may want to consider adding a dehumidifier to your central air conditioning unit.

You can learn more about how to control humidity levels in your home here.