After a long, cold winter, our region can usually expect a rainy spring. Spring rains are important to the local landscape and our water supply, but sometimes, it can be a bit overwhelming, particularly after snow melt. Too much rain can cause problems, including poor indoor air quality.
Too Much Humidity
A little bit of humidity indoors is a good thing. It prevents drying out of skin, nasal passages and wooden furnishings. It’s even helpful in preventing the transmission of flu and colds. But when humidity climbs over 50 percent, it can wreak havoc with your indoor air quality. Some of the ill effects are:
- Mold, fungus and mildew
- A sticky, uncomfortable feeling
- Damp odors
- Destruction of wood and drywall
- Makes home’s inhabitants feel warm, which leads to running the A/C too often and wasting energy.
How Dampness Enters the Home
Dampness gets in the home through various means, like:
- Leaks in plumbing and/or the roof.
- HVAC pressure imbalance, which pulls moist air through tiny cracks in the house.
- Moisture in sodden ground that migrates through foundation into the floor and up the walls.
Remedies for High Relative Humidity
Lower your home’s humidity by preventing moisture from entering the home by these means:
- Fix plumbing and roof leaks.
- Don’t shut dampers or block vents, so as to avoid pressure imbalances. Fix air leaks throughout the home.
- Look into a moisture barrier for the foundation.
Your HVAC system is your main defense against high humidity. If properly maintained, it pulls excess moisture out of your home’s air and sends it down the condensate drain. Be sure to do the following:
- Change the filter often for good airflow.
- Keep the outdoor condenser free of obstructions, including leaves, weeds and yard furniture.
- Schedule regular maintenance. Ask the technician to check the condensate drain for obstructions, and to make sure the evaporator coils are clean, thereby promoting proper dehumidification of the home’s air.
For more on improving indoor air quality by controlling humidity, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. We serve Lorain and the surrounding area.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area