Not Feeling Cool & Dry? You May Need to Dehumidify!

If you’ve noticed that your home is uncomfortably humid this summer, you’re not alone. Even though temperatures have been cooler than usual, the humidity has still been relatively high. If you haven’t been running your air conditioning system as much, your home probably hasn’t been benefiting from the dehumidification your AC can provide – leaving your home feeling damp and sticky.

What problems can too much humidity cause in my home?

Unfortunately, too much humidity in our home’s air can lead to a whole host of problems – both for you and your home. Some of those problems include:

  • Overly damp basements and crawl spaces
  • Mold and mildew overgrowth
  • Bacteria growth
  • Increase in respiratory concerns
  • Poor indoor air quality
  • Condensation on windows
  • Peeling paint
  • Warped floorboards and wood furnishings
  • Wood rot
  • Stains on ceilings and drywall

If you’ve noticed any of these problems in your home, the chances are very good that you need to take measures to get your home’s humidity levels in check. Below you’ll find some suggestions that can help mitigate the moisture levels in your home and keep humidity at bay.

What can I do to remedy an overly humid home?

If you think there might be a humidity problem in your home, here are a few steps you can take:

  • Shut your doors and windows on high-humidity days. When you keep your doors and windows open, it allows the damp air to enter your home. This can make your air conditioning system work harder than it has to and can lead to some of the above concerns.
  • Purchase a humidity monitor, or hygrometer. This inexpensive purchase – usually around $10 at your local hardware store – can help you see if the humidity level in your home is problematic. If you notice that your home has consistently high humidity, it’s time to take some additional measures.
  • Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. When you cook, bathe, or shower, it increases the humidity in your home immensely. Make sure to turn on your exhaust fans when taking a hot shower or using the stove. Of course, turn them off when done so you don’t send cooled air out of your home!
  • Think about installing advanced dehumidification. New homes are especially airtight, and while that can mean they’re very energy-efficient, it can also mean that humidity can stay in the home more easily. If your AC system doesn’t seem to be cutting the humidity, it might be time for a dehumidifier.

How can Empire help me get the advanced humidity control I need?

At Empire Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re pleased to provide our customers with TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems from Honeywell. A Honeywell TrueDRY system removes moisture from areas that need it the most, improving overall comfort, safeguarding your home, and eliminating the need to monitor and empty water buckets. This system combines the best of portable and whole-house dehumidification into an integrated unit, providing high-capacity moisture removal. This results in an energy-efficient comfort solution that improves the indoor air quality of your home.

To learn more about the Honeywell TrueDRY Dehumidification System, all you need to do is give Empire a call at 404-294-0090, and we will be happy to help.

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