Humidity Blues? 11 Tips for Beating the Heat and Moisture
Fixing moisture sources
Using a dehumidifier
Exhaust fans
Closing windows and doors
Air conditioning
Moisture-absorbing plants
Using a humidistat
Drying laundry outside
Mechanical ventilation system
Cleaning gutters
Proper insulation
Table of Contents
Fixing moisture sources
When you’re trying to prevent high humidity in your home, identifying the source of the humidity is going to be at the top of your list.
Leaks and dampness are often caused by damaged pipes and plumbing.
Gaps or cracks in your foundation or walls are also high humidity points.
As well as any leaks in the roof.
Finding and fixing any of the above problems is The first step to reducing the high humidity in your house.
2. Using a dehumidifier
Other areas in the house that can suffer from high humidity or damp basements in bathrooms.
You may need to consider getting a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture in these areas.
If you’re not familiar with dehumidifiers, they are machines that work by pulling air out of the environment and use a refrigerant to cool it down.
When the air cools the moisture condenses and either collects it into a tank or follows a hose outside depending on your dehumidifier and setup.
3. Exhaust fans
Another way to lower the humidity in your house is using exhaust fans in the areas where moisture is built up.
There’s a good chance you already have exhaust fans in a couple of the main humidity areas of your house.
Typically the kitchen in the bathroom or outfitted with the exhaust fans because they are identified as high humidity areas.
If you do not already have exhaust fans, they can be installed fairly inexpensively by a professional or you can do it yourself if you like taking on your own projects.
4. Closing windows and doors
When the weather is particularly humid it’s a good idea to keep your windows and your doors closed to prevent any outside moisture from entering the home. The simple thing like keeping the doors shut can help keep the humidity more consistent inside.
5. Air conditioning
Air conditioners unbeknownst to many people are also good at reducing humidity. Similar to how a dehumidifier works, an air conditioner pulls the surrounding air and cools it off with refrigerated coils. The moisture usually follows a drain line outside. Running the air conditioner is a great way of reducing the humidity inside when the heat outside is the main perpetrator of the humidity.
6. Moisture-absorbing plants
Moisture absorbing plants are a way to naturally reduce the humidity in the air.
A couple of popular varieties of plants that are known for reducing humidity are snake plant which is also called mother-in-law’s tongue, and peace lilies.
7. Drying laundry outside
The laundry is also another huge source of humidity, especially running the dryer.
Avoid hanging wet clothes in the house and consider adding more ventilation to your laundry room to pull the humidity out when you’re doing laundry.
8. Mechanical ventilation system
A mechanical ventilation system can be used to reduce humidity in your home by exchanging indoor air without door air.
This is a more powerful version of using exhaust fans because it actually exchanges the air instead of just pulling it out.
9. Cleaning gutters
Keeping the gutters cleaned is also a good way of reducing humidity in your house. When gutters get clogged and damaged they can allow water to leak into your home and cause excess moisture.
10. Proper insulation
Insulation is also a great tool for keeping humidity down in your home. Installing proper installation can help prevent moisture from coming in your walls and your ceilings. Ceiling up any gaps or cracks and adding insulation to your attic is a great way of keeping the humidity in check.
11. Using a humidistat
Use a hygrometer and a humidistat to keep the humidity consistent. Some of the signs like static electricity and condensation on the windows are obvious signs that your humidity is too high, just going off of your frizzy hair is not exactly the best way to keep the humidity consistent in your home.
Consider purchasing a hygrometer to measure your humidity and a dehumidifier that is outfitted with a humidistat that will turn it on and off as needed to keep your humidity status quo.
4. Closing windows and doors
