Humidity is the leading cause of multiple problems in your home that can compound over time. High humidity levels can lead to mold and algae development, heat cramps and exhaustion, and strokes. It can also create an environment that is a breeding ground for allergens, pollutants, and other contaminants in the air.
Humidity makes a room feel hotter than it really is. Thus, homeowners will turn the thermostat down in order to compensate. The result is higher energy bills annually and the threat of numerous health problems. Below are some tips for keeping the humidity levels low in your house.
Maintain Your HVAC System
If you do not take care of your heating and cooling system, then it will not effectively distribute dry air throughout your home. AC units need routine inspections and preventative maintenance to keep them operating at peak performance. There may be other issues, however, that are causing your HVAC system to either produce humid air or rendering it ineffective to reduce the humidity.
- The AC is oversized and has too great a cooling capacity.
- Negative air pressure caused by a poorly design ventilation system.
- Using the FAN ON option on the thermostat. This blows moist air throughout the house when the AC unit is not running.
- The unit is outdated and no longer has the capacity to properly heat or cool the house.
Where is the Water Coming From?
Have you checked your home lately for leaks? They could be coming from almost any part of your home. Go down the following checklist to see if there are any signs of water infiltration.
- Check to see if all the connections in your plumbing are properly sealed and tight.
- Is there any damage anywhere in your plumbing system? Are there any pipes or fixtures that need to be replaced?
- Look for leaks or dripping water in the walls and under the house.
- Are there any leaks in the water heater, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine or any other water-based appliances?
- Get the roof inspected for leaks or drafts that could be coming into the home.
- Seal the windows and doors around the house.
Let Steve’s Plumbing & Heating Help Control Your Home’s Humidity
If your household is suffering from high humidity, then contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating today. We can inspect both the HVAC and plumbing system in order to determine where the humidity is coming from and how to correct it. We offer a wide range of AC and plumbing products and services including installation, repair, and full system replacement. Call us at 715.421.1800. We are your heating, cooling, and plumbing experts in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.