A common problem many homeowners face in the summer is high humidity indoors. It’s bad enough when you can’t get comfortable outside during the day. When high humidity follows you home, staying cool might seem like an impossible goal. Fortunately, you don’t have to just deal with muggy, sweaty conditions all summer.

A humidity control system like a whole-house dehumidifier can make managing high humidity easier to manage. These helpful systems pull moisture out of the air and deposit it safely away from the home. If you install a dehumidifier as part of your HVAC system, you can keep your home’s humidity at a comfortable level all year long. Just make sure installation is handled by trained professionals!

What Causes High Humidity?

The largest source of humidity is simply outdoor air getting into your home. Whether it’s a crack in the wall or a crooked window, the smallest gap is still big enough for moisture to slip inside. And when you account for every minor crack throughout the house, it can add up. But there are also lots of indoor sources of humidity, including:

  • Cooking: A lot of humidity is produced by your kitchen and can come from boiling water to roasting meat or vegetables. Most kitchens have an exhaust fan that can remove some of the excess moisture by venting the air out of your home.
  • Bathing: Running a bath or taking a shower adds a lot of humidity to the bathroom, which can quickly spread through your home. Luckily, many bathrooms also include an exhaust fan. Take advantage of these fans to minimize indoor moisture.
  • Houseplants: Many plants offer fresh air and attractive foliage for your home, but they can also add to humidity levels. Rooms with lots of plants will probably feel humid in the summer, especially after watering.
  • Leaky plumbing: With lots of pipes behind walls or under floors, noticing a leak isn’t always easy. Even small or hidden leaks can gradually contribute to indoor humidity levels. Keep an eye out for water pressure issues or damp spots, as these are signs of a leak somewhere in your plumbing.
  • Clothes dryer: Dryers are hooked up to ventilation that keeps the hot, moist air out of your home. If the vent is damaged or loose, this moisture could end up right back in your laundry room before making its way to the rest of the home.

What Problems Can High Humidity Cause?

  1. Mold and mildew growth: Mold and mildew love warm, moist environments. If your home is too humid, these fungi can start to grow on walls, floors, ceilings—pretty much anywhere. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also cause respiratory problems for people with allergies or asthma.
  2. Rotting wood: From furniture to floorboards, wood is especially susceptible to damage from excessive moisture. If your home isn’t properly sealed or ventilated for balanced humidity, wood can start to warp, crack and eventually rot.
  3. Peeling paint: Moisture can cause paint to swell and eventually separate from the wall it covers. Peeled paint is unattractive and can encourage bacterial growth.
  4. Higher AC bills: Humid air holds onto heat better than dry air, which is why moisture can make warm temperatures feel much worse. Humid air can also end up increasing your cooling bills since more time and energy is needed to cool things down.
  5. Static electricity: While not necessarily harmful, getting shocked by half the things in your home is annoying. High moisture ensures objects hold static electricity charges much more easily.

Install a Dehumidifier for Whole-House Moisture Control

Interested in whole-house dehumidifier installation in Omaha, NE? Get in touch with the indoor air quality experts at A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical. There’s a reason why we’re one of the most trusted companies when it comes to your comfort and heating and air in Omaha. We’ll be happy to walk you through available options for humidity control. Request a free estimate today at 402-593-7500.