5 Ways to Lower Humidity in Your Lexington Home

Lexington summers are known for heat and humidity. High humidity in your home can cause moisture which in turn can cause damage to your homes wood, paint and siding. High humidity can also spread the growth of mildew, mold, allergens and odors in your clothing as well as cause poor indoor air quality. In order to protect your home and especially your family’s health, follow these 5 ways to lower humidity in your Lexington home.

1. Set Your Fan to Automatic

If you’re having issues with indoor humidity, it’s important to set your fan to automatic. In the automatic position your fan only blows during an AC cooling cycle as opposed to blowing constantly when set to the on position. When you fan is set to AUTO, moisture collects and rests on the refrigerant coils. Once the fan shuts off, the moisture slides off the coils and drains away outdoors. If the fan is ON, the moisture collects and blows back indoors creating higher humidity in the air.

2. Replace Furnace/AC Filters

Replace your air filter on a regular basis. Check with your HVAC service provider to see how often you should be replacing the filter for your particular HVAC system. If your filter is not changed regularly then your system may be working overtime to do its job properly.

3. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

It’s important to install the right thermostat for your house. There are countless and confusing options available. At Climate Control, we make sure our team is thoroughly trained and are able to pick the right one to fit the needs of your home and family. We take the time to explain the features on your thermostat and how to use them effectively in your home.

4. Household Preventative Measures

Inside your home you can take measures to ensure the humidity is kept low. You can install vent fans in bathrooms and kitchens, crack a window, seal air duct leaks and select houseplants that absorb moisture from the air (Boston fern, Peace Lily, English Ivy) and keep other houseplants outside. One the outside of your home, you can take preventative measures by keeping your gutters clean of debris and only water plants as needed. Additionally, you can grade soil away from your foundation in order to keep water form pooling outside.

5. Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier

Have an HVAC technician install a whole-house dehumidifier if the humidity is becoming problematic or if you live in an older home with less ventilation. Dehumidifiers work best when they are placed away from walls and furniture to ensure proper ventilation. It’s also important to keep doors and windows shut for optimal effectiveness.

You’ll notice the tell-tale signs of high humidity in your home by foggy windows, a mildew or musty odor, or your skin feeling clammy. In the summer, as the humidity rises, it’s important to take preventative measures to keep the humidity in your home in check. If you follow these tips, you can lower the humidity in your Lexington home and keep your house and family safe. If you try these ideas and are still having high humidity issues, call our family owned and local HVAC company Climate Control to find solutions for you and your family.