Installing a whole-house dehumidifier isn’t the only way to lower the indoor humidity level. In this article, you’ll find simple ways to reduce the humidity without a dehumidifier, such as getting an air conditioning installation near Lancaster, CA.
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Signs Your Home is Too Humid
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor humidity levels be maintained at around 40% and no higher than 50%. If the humidity level exceeds 50%, you should take action.
You can measure the level of humidity indoors using a hygrometer. It’s an inexpensive device that you can find at your local hardware store.
If you don’t have a way to measure the humidity level, you’ll know it’s too humid if you notice these signs:
- Moist and clammy air
- Mold and mildew growth
- Foggy windows
- Rotting wood
- Allergies
Is High Humidity Bad?
High humidity levels at home aren’t only uncomfortable but can also pose health risks. When it’s too humid and the temperature is high, our bodies won’t effectively regulate temperature. Hence, it causes our bodies to overheat.
Here are some of the adverse effects high humidity may have on the human body.
- Bad Mood
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Muscle cramps
- Heat Stroke
If you experience the aforementioned health conditions, however, do not immediately assume that they are because of high humidity at home. It is still best to consult a medical practitioner to know exactly what causing those illnesses.
How to Lower Indoor Humidity Without a Dehumidifier
A good dehumidifier is expensive. If you don’t have a budget yet, but your indoor living environment is too humid, here are some of the things you can do to lower the humidity level.
Use Exhaust Fans
Most of the daily activities at home, such as cooking, dishwashing, clothes drying, bathing, and showering, create moisture and increases humidity at home. They’re good if your home has very low humidity, but apparently not if you’re experiencing high humidity. To reduce moisture from daily activities, install and use exhaust fans. If you already have one, make sure that these devices are free of dust, grease, lint, or anything that could keep them from functioning properly.
Fix Leaking Pipes
It’s another thing that could add moisture to the indoor air. So if there’s a leaking pipe, immediately fix it or call a plumber. Leaks can be hidden, so always pay attention to signs of a leak, such as a sudden spike in water bills, wet spots, and stained walls.
Use Charcoal Briquettes
Charcoal briquettes have good absorbing properties, making them a good, natural dehumidifier. All you have to do is take a can or basket filled with charcoal briquettes then put it in your room. Aside from sucking in all moisture out of the air, charcoal briquettes can also remove damp and musty odors.
Turn Your Air Conditioning System On
Getting an air conditioning installation near Lancaster, CA doesn’t only help cool your living environment. Most modern air conditioning systems are designed to regulate humidity. A/C systems feature an evaporator coil that condenses water vapor from the indoor air. The coil pulls the moisture from the air, removes and then drains it from your living environment through the system’s condensate array. Hence, reducing humidity.
Make Sure Air Filters Are Clean
This is to make sure that coils responsible for removing heat and lowering humidity can do their job. A dirty air filter won’t be able to filter dirt and dust properly. Hence, these particulates will find their way to your evaporator coil. When the coil is covered in dirt and dust, it won’t function effectively.
Humidity tends to be higher in the summer. Well, warm air holds more moisture, so it’s likely expected. An air conditioning installation near Lancaster, CA would be a great solution to combat heat and humidity. In case you help from professional and experienced air conditioning installers, contact All Heart Heating & Cooling.
