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5 Tips to Reduce Humidity in the Home

High humidity is uncomfortable indoors and outside. Humidity increases perspiration, worsens asthma symptoms, and creates an environment conducive to mold growth. Learn how to reduce humidity in the home to maintain safer and healthier living spaces.

Reasons to Reduce Humidity in the Home

Ideal indoor humidity levels are between 30-60%. Very high humidity causes your body temperature to rise. The body reacts by breathing faster and pumping less blood to your internal organs and brain. You might faint, suffer from heat exhaustion, or even experience heatstroke.
Failure to reduce humidity inside your home contributes to mold and mildew growth. Mold is dangerous as it triggers respiratory illnesses and allergy-like symptoms. Moisture in the air can also cause structural damage to your property including rotting wood, peeling paint, and damaged bricks, all of which may require costly repairs.

Ways to Reduce Humidity at Home

Indoor Plants

Although some houseplants add moisture to the air, especially when they’re overwatered, you can find indoor plants known for their dehumidifying properties. Peace lily tops the list of plants that help reduce humidity, plus it rids the air of some pollutants. Other natural dehumidifiers include Boston ferns, palms, orchids, spider plants, cactus, and English Ivy.

Proper Ventilation

Inadequate ventilation is the main cause of high humidity levels. Use ventilation fans properly, especially in areas that have excess moisture like the bathroom and kitchen, and you’ll reduce humidity in your home. When showering or cooking, open a window or use exhaust fans. In other areas of the house, a window fan can be used to increase air circulation.

Take Shorter or Cold Showers

If your home has high humidity levels, hot showers will make it worse. Take cooler showers or reduce the amount of time you spend bathing. If you choose to take a hot shower, open the bathroom window and turn on the fan to release the steam.

Proper Insulation Helps Reduce Humidity in the Home

If you have the budget for more expensive changes, invest in proper insulation to reduce humidity indoors. Although it can be costly, a properly insulated home will also lower your power bill by reducing the amount of power needed to heat and cool the home.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Clogged gutters prevent water from being directed away from the foundation. As a result, water can leak into the basement or seep underneath the roofing shingles, causing algae and mold growth. Clean the guttering at least twice a year so that water is directed properly away from your home.

Solidium Inspections provides home inspections to customers in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request our services.

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