Excessive humidity can damage various home components, especially the wooden ones. It can also be harmful to the health of your family, as too much moisture in the air can lead to mold growth. Fortunately, a dehumidifier can help you maintain healthy indoor humidity levels.
Here Hader HVAC experts share the signs that you need to invest in a dehumidifier.
High Indoor Humidity
The ideal indoor humidity range is between 35 and 50 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Relative humidity that’s greater than 60 percent is considered extremely high. You’ll know your home has excessive humidity if it feels cold and clammy or hot and sticky. If you have a smart thermostat, it can determine your home’s humidity level. However, you can also purchase a hygrometer. When not addressed, high indoor humidity can lead to wood rot, peeling paint and damage to your electrical system.
Damp Basement
Basements are prone to high humidity since HVAC systems can’t properly recirculate cool, dry air to these spaces, especially if they don’t have return vents. In the spring and fall, when your heating and air conditioning system isn’t being used, damp air can also accumulate in your basement. Moisture will naturally infiltrate your basement air through the foundation unless it’s well-insulated.
Condensation
Another sign that your home has high humidity is condensation. Moisture buildup on your windows and walls can develop in the cooler months when outside temperatures are dramatically lower than those indoors. Poorly-insulated surfaces, such as walls and windows, can cause warm, moist indoor air to condense. Recurrence of condensation is a clear indication that you have indoor humidity issues.
Turn to Hader heating and cooling experts for your HVAC needs. Call us at (513) 661-1910 or fill out our contact form to schedule a service. We work with clients in Cincinnati.
