With the temperature continuously rising and the heat index increasing, you might feel tired of feeling sticky and uncomfortable during these sweltering summer months. High humidity can potentially impact the comfort level of a subdivision along Daang Hari, resulting in the growth of mold, unpleasant odors in the rooms, and potential harm to furniture and electronic devices. Thus, during this current season, it is advisable to seek ways to lessen humidity at home.
This blog will take control of the summer humidity by providing practical and easily implemented solutions for reducing the humidity in your house and creating a drier and more comfortable living environment.
Is it Better To Have High or Low Humidity in Your House?
Before anything else, it is vital to understand what humidity is and how humidity levels can affect your living. Humidity generally refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. High humidity is the result of an abundant presence of moisture in the air, while low humidity indicates a shortage of water.
High humidity levels can cause undesirable outturns in your home. The excessive moisture from high humidity hinders sweat evaporation from your skin, which makes it harder for your body to cool down, cause discomfort, and leave you feeling sticky. It may also lead to allergic reactions and respiratory problems due to the favorable conditions it creates for mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungi to thrive. Lastly, prolonged exposure to excess moisture can cause wood to warp and rot, metal to rust, and paint to deteriorate.
On the other hand, excessively low humidity in your home can also lead to several issues. Some consequences of such low relative humidity include the contraction and splitting of wooden furniture and hardwood floors. Additionally, low humidity can lead to the accumulation of static electricity and cause sensitive houseplants to wither.
Both low and high humidity levels can have their drawbacks. Nonetheless, maintaining optimal humidity levels in your home is essential for both your comfort and the overall well-being and durability of your living environment.
The Natural Ways to Reduce Humidity
One of the simplest and most effective methods is to use natural ventilation. Open windows and doors allow fresh air to circulate and absorb excess moisture. You may also use fans or ceiling fans to improve air circulation, which helps evaporate moisture. Another natural solution is to make use of moisture-absorbing materials like activated charcoal or desiccant packs. These can be placed in closets, cabinets, or other areas prone to moisture buildup to absorb excess humidity.
In addition, plants can also play a role in reducing humidity levels. Plants have the ability to absorb moisture through their leaves, acting as natural dehumidifiers. However, the moisture present in the soil can evaporate into the air contributing to the indoor humidity in your house. Using a layer of small stones is an effective and aesthetically pleasing way to cover the soil of indoor plants.
These natural approaches only serve as one of the exemplary steps in decreasing humidity. However, if you consistently face such humidity levels, it might be worth considering the purchase of a dehumidifier.
Control Humidity Using dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are appliances specifically designed to remove the relative humidity from the air if the air is too humid. They work by drawing in humid air, passing it over cooled coils to condense the moisture, and then releasing the drier air back into the room. Dehumidifiers come in various sizes and capacities, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the size of your home and the severity of your humidity problem.
When using a dehumidifier, it is advisable to position it centrally within your home, preferably in a space with elevated humidity levels, such as basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms. To prolong the lifespan of your dehumidifier, conduct regular check-ups, which include emptying the water collection bucket and cleaning the filters.
The Ventilation Approach
Good ventilation allows the flow of fresh air, effectively reducing excess moisture and replacing it with drier air. There are numerous methods that exist to enhance ventilation within your house. One of these is the installation of exhaust fans in the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom to remove moisture from cooking, washing, and showering. Exhaust efficiently helps remove humidity from the air and expel it outside your home.
Another effective method is to make use of ceiling fans or portable fans to improve air movement within your home. When outdoor temperature and humidity are high, installing an air conditioning system will remove heat from your home, replacing it with cooler and drier air.
Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system if you have persistent humidity problems or live in an area prone to high humidity levels, such as in a subdivision along Daang Hari.
Preventing Humidity Buildup
In line with the common adage, “prevention is better than cure,” the importance of reducing humidity in your home cannot be understated. Likewise, be sure to regularly examine and resolve any instances of water leaks or seepage within your home. Take the time to inspect your roof, windows, and plumbing for indications of leaks, and promptly address any issues that arise. Clean and dry your bathroom and kitchen surfaces to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Finally, continuous upkeep of your air conditioning system is essential to the optimal humidity level, as a well-maintained system can efficiently eliminate excessive water vapor from the air.
Hire a Professional
If none of the methods above mentioned works to lower the relative humidity of your home, it may be time to seek professional help. Moisture control specialists can evaluate your home’s humidity levels and suggest suitable solutions, such as installing a whole-house dehumidifier or implementing advanced measures like crawl space encapsulation or basement waterproofing. While hiring professionals may involve some upfront costs, it can definitely save you from potential health issues, structural damage, and expensive repairs in the long run.
High humidity can make your day unbearable, but with the right knowledge and solutions, anyone can create a cool and comfortable living environment in a subdivision along Daang Hari.
Read more: Preventing Mold Build-up in Your House
