Living in Florida offers year-round sunshine and pleasant winters but has a downside—humidity. Excessive moisture in the air makes a home uncomfortable, creates an environment conducive to mold and mildew, and impacts the durability and longevity of furniture and electronics. Here are practical tips to reduce indoor humidity in your living spaces.
Reduce Indoor Humidity in Your Home
Ventilation is Key
Improving airflow in the home will help lower humidity. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture is common due to showers and boiling pots. Keep your vents clean and verify they are functioning correctly. Use portable and ceiling fans to circulate air throughout rooms, reducing indoor mugginess.
Dehumidifiers to Reduce Indoor Humidity
A dehumidifier is a great defense against excess moisture. Purchase a portable unit you can move as needed or install a whole-home system to keep your home comfortably dry. Be sure to clean and maintain your dehumidifiers for optimal performance.
Use of Air Conditioning
Air conditioners don’t just cool the air; they also remove moisture. Verify your AC unit is the right size for the area it’s cooling. An oversized unit will cool the room quickly but won’t run long enough to dehumidify the air.
Keep Plants Outdoors
Indoor plants release moisture into the air. Houseplants have benefits, but if you’re struggling with indoor humidity limit the number of houseplants in your living spaces or relocate them outdoors.
Seal Windows and Doors
Air leaks around windows and doors can introduce additional humidity into your home. Regular inspections will help you identify leaks and make repairs, preventing excess moisture from seeping in.
Installing weather-stripping around doors and windows helps prevent humid outdoor air from entering your home. It’s a cost-effective fix that also boosts energy efficiency.
Reduce Indoor Water Use to Lower Humidity
Limiting the amount of water used in your home will impact indoor humidity. Take shorter showers, and don’t boil water longer than necessary. If you need to boil water, use a lid to keep the steam contained.
Quick-Drying Habits
After a shower, squeegee the walls to dry the bathroom and reduce moisture. Don’t leave wet towels or clothes in piles on the floor – hang them to dry outside or use the clothes dryer.
Reducing humidity in your home makes for a healthier environment and helps prevent damage caused by excess moisture. You can enjoy the Florida lifestyle without uncomfortable indoor air by managing humidity. Maintaining balanced humidity levels in your home is a year-round task; use the tips above to stay comfortable in your home.
FAQs
Do houseplants always contribute to higher indoor humidity levels?
Not necessarily. While some houseplants release moisture through transpiration, others, such as succulents, have minimal impact on indoor humidity. Choosing low-moisture plants can help maintain lower humidity levels indoors.
Are there materials or finishes for flooring and furniture less likely to be damaged by indoor humidity?
Yes, certain materials like tile, laminate, and luxury vinyl plank flooring are less susceptible to moisture absorption. Opt for moisture-resistant finishes on furniture and cabinetry to protect your home from moisture damage.
Can household appliances, such as the clothes dryer, affect indoor humidity levels?
Yes. The clothes dryer releases moisture into the air as it dries wet laundry. Vent the dryer outdoors to prevent this moisture from accumulating indoors. Your dishwasher may also contribute to humidity. Don’t use high heat settings, and turn on the kitchen ventilation fan when using the machine.
Are there benefits to reducing indoor humidity beyond comfort?
Yes, reducing indoor humidity also improves energy efficiency by making air conditioning systems more effective, reducing the likelihood of mold growth, and preventing moisture-related damage to the home’s structure and contents.
Golden Rule Home Inspections provides comprehensive home inspection services in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. Contact us to request an appointment.