The average humidity level in Houston is 75%, which is high compared to most areas. Unfortunately, the humidity level can reach higher levels on many days. High humidity leads to discomfort, but you can take steps to stay comfortable.
One of the best ways to beat the high humidity is to manage your indoor humidity in the summer. A well-running air conditioner is crucial for this goal.
If you’re tired of the heat and humidity levels, stay cool by following these tips for controlling your home’s humidity.
Get the Right Level of Indoor Humidity in the Summer
Temperature affects your comfort level, but humidity levels affect it more. Therefore, staying comfortable at home requires finding the ideal indoor humidity level.
Most experts suggest keeping your humidity level below 60% during the summer. However, the ideal indoor humidity range is 30% to 50%. You’ll feel more comfortable if you keep it within this range.
Falling below this range is common in the winter when things are cold and dry. Rising above this level is more common in the summer when it’s hot outside.
When your humidity level exceeds 60%, you’ll feel hot. You may start sweating, and you might not feel very energetic.
Additionally, your home can suffer when the humidity level exceeds 60%. Remember, humidity is water in the air. If your home is humid, too much water is in the air.
The result is moisture in your house. Moisture can breed mold and mildew. It can also damage your belongings and house materials.
Therefore, controlling the humidity level is imperative for your home’s safety and integrity. It’s also vital for your comfort.
Monitor Your Humidity Level
Now that you understand the desired humidity levels, you must monitor yours. Unfortunately, your thermostat will not contain a humidity level control on it. This means you’ll need a different way.
The easiest way is by purchasing a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a small device that records humidity levels. You can purchase these at most hardware stores or online, and they’re not expensive.
This device is not for controlling humidity in your home. Instead, it’s only for monitoring the level. You can view the device whenever you want to know the humidity level in your home.
When you view the hygrometer, you’ll see where it stands. If the level’s too high, you can adjust things in your home to decrease it.
Maintain Your AC System
Discovering why your home is too humid is also helpful in controlling it. An inefficient air conditioner is a top reason for high humidity.
An inefficient AC can’t cool a house. As a result, it can’t reduce the humidity.
Proper AC maintenance is critical for staying cool in the summer. Not only does an AC system cool a home, but it does so by removing moisture from the air.
You may need several services to keep your AC running well:
Air Conditioner Cleaning Service
AC systems pull air inside to remove the heat from it. Unfortunately, indoor air can contain dirt and debris, which can get trapped in the system. This dirt and debris reduces an AC system’s efficiency.
AC systems offer cleaning services to remove built-up dirt. Getting this done makes a system work more efficiently, helping you reduce the humidity.
AC and Heating Tune-Up
A tune-up is more thorough than cleanings. While it includes cleaning services, it also includes other things. An AC technician checks all the parts, ensuring they work well.
They also check the coolant level, which is essential for reducing humidity in a home. Additionally, most companies offer AC repair free estimates for services when needed.
Use Fans and Shade
Next, take a few steps around your house to decrease the heat.
Shade
Start outside by ensuring your home has some shade. For example, place umbrellas up near your house or plant bushes to provide shade. Blocking the heat from touching your home can help you reduce the humidity.
Window Treatments
Next, close all your windows, blinds, and curtains. This step also blocks heat from entering inside and makes it easier to control the humidity. This step is especially important on the sides of the house where the sun is.
You can even buy curtains that block heat if you want to add more protection.
Fans
Additionally, turn on some fans. Fans promote positive airflow, which is also essential for keeping you cool.
Ceiling fans are ideal for this purpose. You can also purchase small fans to set on the floor or tables.
You can read about other tips to stay cool and save money this summer.
Install Ventilation
AC companies also recommend improving your home’s ventilation system. Ventilation is what keeps air flowing and helps to eliminate moisture. You’ll constantly battle humidity if your home has poor ventilation.
Your home needs ventilation in areas with high moisture. For example, your bathrooms should have ventilation fans. These fans remove the moisture and send it outside.
Kitchens also need ventilation to remove the steam produced from cooking. You might also need ventilation in your basement. When basements are not well-ventilated, they become musty and humid.
Improving your home’s ventilation will improve the indoor air quality. It will also reduce the moisture and humidity in your house. The bottom line is it will help you stay comfortable on hot summer days.
Stay Comfortable With HVAC Maintenance
The level of your indoor humidity in the summer affects your comfort. Following these tips can help you monitor and manage your humidity levels.
As a result, you’ll spend the summer feeling more comfortable inside your home. If your home isn’t comfortable due to high humidity levels, seek professional help.
Contact us at Guy’s AC if you want to reduce your home’s humidity. We offer all types of HVAC services, including 24-hour emergency repairs. We also offer tune-ups and repairs for all your heating and AC needs.
Guy’s AC services homeowners in many cities in Texas, including Atascocita, Conroe, Houston, Huffman, Humble, Kingwood, New Caney, Porter, Spring, and The Woodlands.
