The level of comfort in your home has a lot to do with humidity- when there is either too much or too little. Humidity can be a good thing for your home in the winter but bad in the summer; the goal is to find the right balance, which usually falls between 30 and 50 percent. Many homes have too much humidity in the air, often in the basement, but air that’s too dry can also be a problem.
During summer months, humidity is usually high inside our homes. Humid air causes the growth of mold and dust mites, two types of allergens that may leave you sneezing and itching. Allergenic particles in the air wind up on countertops, tables, pillows, carpeting, and other surfaces throughout your home. The recommended humidity level in the summer is less than 60 percent.
How to make your home less humid:
1. Dehumidify
Dehumidifiers are often used in basements and can be used in rooms in your home where humidity is high. They work by removing excess moisture from the air.
2. Ventilation
It’s always a good idea to ventilate your home regularly, especially while showering and cooking. Exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen vent moisture and steam to the outside of your house.
3. Air conditioning
In the summer, your central air acts as a dehumidifier. Coupled with a high-efficiency air filter, your indoor air quality can be improved as humidity and allergens are reduced.
In the winter, the combination of cold outdoor air and a heated home can make your air quite dry, which is one of the triggers of illness. Dry air irritates our skin, nose, and throat and causes static electricity. Humidifiers can be used to help your immune system as well as your house by making it feel warmer. In the winter, your home humidity should fall between 25 and 40 percent.
How is the humidity in your home? Find out more ways to control indoor humidity and to make your home more comfortable year-round: http://www.epa.gov/
