Managing Humidity in Southeastern Homes
Summertime is upon us yet again in the southeastern United States, a time best known for the hot, humid weather and plentiful rain. Homes in the region find themselves routinely dealing with the effects of high humidity – mold, mildew, and even mosquitoes. Without a proper moisture management strategy, those effects can quickly spiral out of control, leading to expensive damage and expensive repairs.
Fortunately, it doesn’t need to be that way; with the right techniques and strategies, homeowners can proactively manage humidity and its effects throughout their home. This article will explore some useful methods for achieving that goal and ensuring the air in your home stays clear, dry, and comfortable.
From simple preventative measures to more complex strategies, the following techniques can all help achieve better humidity management in the home.
Ventilation and Circulation
The simplest way to manage humidity in the home is to utilize ventilation and circulation. Open windows and run ceiling fans on high to promote the movement and exchange of air between the indoors and outdoors. This will allow excess moisture to escape your home, minimizing any moisture buildup.
It’s also beneficial to use exhaust fans in rooms and areas of the home with high moisture levels. Common areas include bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Small air circulators can also be used to move air and keep it from becoming stagnant, especially in humid corners of the house.
Dehumidifiers and Air Conditioners
In more serious cases, it may be necessary to use either a dehumidifier or a central air conditioning system. Dehumidifiers are small machines that actively pull moisture out of the air, making them great space-saving solutions for managing humidity. Central air conditioning systems, on the other hand, are much more effective at cooling and lowering the relative humidity of the entire house.
It’s important to note that ACs and dehumidifiers do require a bit of maintenance. Filters need to be checked and cleaned regularly, as well as the collection tray where the excess moisture is stored. Not doing so can lead to decreased efficiency, mold formation, and eventually system failure.
The ultimate goal of these techniques is to keep the relative humidity in your home within 30-50%. Doing so will make it uncomfortable for mold and mildew to grow, and will reduce your risk of having to deal with costly damages due to high humidity.
Other Preventative Measures
- Watch for condensation on windows and doors, or any other surface in the home
- Check indoor humidity levels regularly with a humidity gauge
- Clean and dry wet areas and clothes immediately and thoroughly
- Use air conditioning when needed and for short periods of time
- Seal utility penetrations in walls and roof assemblies
Conclusion
Dealing with humidity in the southeastern United States can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are strategies in place to proactively manage your home’s humidity levels and keep it at safe, comfortable levels. From simple preventatives such as using fans and opening windows to more technical solutions such as air conditioners and dehumidifiers, there are many great ways to ensure your home is free from high humidity and its effects.