Tips to Lower Humidity Levels in Your Home

You've probably heard the saying: “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity?” That rings true for many areas of the country, especially during the summer months, when oppressive humidity levels can make even moderate temperatures feel unbearable.

When you come inside looking for relief and are instead met with thick, humid air, you need quick solutions to restore comfort to your home. From major investments to minor adjustments, HVAC.com discusses tips to combat high indoor humidity levels.

How to Reduce Humidity in Your House

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping indoor humidity levels below 60%. Anything higher can cause comfort and health issues.

If you’re searching for relief from soaring humidity levels, consider the following tips:

1. Buy a New Air Conditioner

If your home’s humidity levels are consistently high, it’s worth exploring AC replacement. Air conditioners actually perform two primary functions: cooling your home and balancing humidity. As air conditioners age and become less efficient, they may struggle to maintain ideal humidity levels.

Poor dehumidification is a common reason to buy a new air conditioner. Replacing a unit that’s more than 15 years old can result in lower energy bills, improved cooling efficiency, and balanced humidity.

2. Turn the AC Up

If your air conditioner is running fine but you prefer a warmer setting in summer to save energy, consider lowering the thermostat a few degrees on humid days. Remember, your system only controls humidity while it’s running.

3. Install Dehumidifiers

Installing whole-house or portable dehumidifiers alongside your air conditioner can provide an additional boost in dehumidification power. Dehumidifiers work by drawing in humid air, cooling it to condense moisture, and then releasing it back into the environment at a lower humidity level.

Portable dehumidifiers are great for rooms without air conditioning, like basements, attics, and laundry rooms. Whole-house units work together with your HVAC system to keep the humidity levels balanced throughout your entire home.

4. Eliminate Sources of Moisture

Moisture can find sneaky ways into your home. Identifying and removing sources of moisture can keep humidity levels in check. Some useful tips include:

• Fixing leaks: Repairing plumbing and roofing leaks can prevent moisture buildup in walls, ceilings, and floors to lower humidity and prevent mold from growing.
• Using exhaust fans: Exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms help remove moisture created from cooking, showering, and drying clothes. Turn on the exhaust fans when performing these activities.
• Insulating pipes and windows: Insulate cold water pipes to prevent condensation buildup.
• Sealing windows and doors: Moisture from outside can enter through the tiniest of cracks. Sealing windows and doors can stop moisture in its tracks.
• Ventilating properly: Open windows on mild days or use ventilation systems to allow moisture to escape.

Other Helpful Tips to Lower Humidity Inside

You don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to reduce humidity during the summer. A few simple tips include:

• Cleaning gutters. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutters to ensure rainwater drains away from your home to stop moisture from reaching your basement or crawlspace.
• Taking cold showers. Cold showers in the summer generate less steam, reducing the amount of moisture released into the air.
• Drying laundry outside. Drying clothes outside lowers indoor humidity levels by allowing moisture from wet clothes to evaporate outdoors rather than inside.
• Replacing old carpeting. Old carpet can increase indoor humidity by absorbing moisture from the air and promoting mold and mildew growth, especially in humid environments.