How to Control Humidity in the House

As the weather warms the humidity tends to increase, at least in the southeastern US. Moist, heavy air tends to make the heat feel more unbearable. It can also be harmful to your home. Consistently humid air inside your house will eventually lead to mold growth, which makes your indoor air hazardous to breathe.

The humidity in your home can be controlled by your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, but only if it is working properly. If the humidity in your home does not seem to be under control, you may be in need of HVAC replacement.

Signs of Humidity in Your Home

If you notice any of the following signs, the humidity in your home is not well controlled:

• Fogged up windows. If the inside of your windows are fogged up on a hot day, there is excess humidity in your home.
• Condensation on metal surfaces. Moisture tends to settle on colder surfaces, such as metal pipes and fixtures.
• Musty smell. You may notice a musty smell in your home that likely means there is mildew or mold growing somewhere.
• Mildew or mold growth. You may see mildew or mold growing on your walls or in moist areas of your home like the bathroom.
• Peeling wallpaper or paint. Wallpaper and paint tend to peel when there is excessive humidity in the home.
• Basement feels damp or smells musty. Basements have a tendency to be damp because they are underground, but dripping water or wet walls and floors are not normal.

What to Do if Your Home is Humid

The first place to start is with your HVAC system. If you have central air conditioning, it should control the humidity if it is working properly and if it is the right size for your home. Have your system and your home inspected by an HVAC expert who can assess your existing air conditioner and determine whether or not it is operating efficiently and if it is properly sized. If your system is old, it may be time for an HVAC replacement.

What to Do if Your Basement is Humid 

If the only humid part of your home is the basement, you may have a different problem on your hands. Start by using a dehumidifier in your basement to control the moisture. If this alone is not effective, it may help to have basement AC installed. Some basements stay cool without air conditioning, but the use of an HVAC system could be enough to control the humidity.

Already have basement AC in place? It may not be working properly if you’re still battling humidity. Have it evaluated by a professional HVAC company to ensure it is working properly. If so, you may need to explore other options such as having your basement sealed or a sump pump put in.

Get Help With Humidity Control from Berico 

Does your home feel humid in the summer? Whether you have a basement or not, your home may still be negatively affected by excessive humidity. A properly working HVAC system should be able to control the humidity levels in your home, so it may just be time for a tune-up. Berico can evaluate your air conditioner and provide repair or replacement if necessary.

Call (336) 273-8663 today to schedule HVAC service.