How to Manage Humidity in the House with HVAC Systems

When it comes to controlling your home environment, humidity is just as important as temperature. We often forget this, but air that is too dry or too moist is not just uncomfortable, it can also be damaging to your home and harmful to your health. Fortunately, you can control your humidity and create the perfect home environment, and you can do this through your HVAC system.

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Doesn’t your HVAC system control humidity already? In a word, no. A traditional HVAC system is not sufficient to effectively control humidity in your house, especially if it’s an older model. However, you can add humidity control to your HVAC system, and this will do a much better job. The ideal humidity in a home ranges between 30 and 60 percent, with winter humidity levels being lower than summers. You should aim to keep your humidity level between 30 and 40 percent in winter, 40 and 50 percent in summer, but never higher than 60 percent and never lower than 25. When the humidity is too high, it can make the house feel muggy, invite the growth of mold and mildew, provide a welcoming environment for dust mites, and warp wood floors and furniture. Humidity that is too low can also damage wood, and it can lead to respiratory issues, dry hair and skin, chapped lips, and the spread of viruses and bacteria.

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How do you know your home’s humidity levels? You can use a hygrometer, which looks like a thermometer but measures humidity instead of temperature. There are also apps to help you monitor temperature and humidity, and some modern HVAC systems and smart thermostats provide readings of your humidity levels.

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To control the humidity in your home, there are some steps you can take. First, make sure your windows and crawlspace are properly sealed, so that moisture isn’t seeping into your house from outside. Fix leaks quickly, and vent your large appliances outside so that the steam they produce doesn’t raise the humidity level in your home. Make sure your home has the proper ventilation and use your fans wisely, turning on the exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to carry moisture back outside.

While your air conditioner isn’t likely to keep your humidity completely under control, it can help in the fight against high humidity. By removing the heat from the air, it reduces the moisture as a byproduct. If you want to bring your humidity level down, try lowering your air conditioner. If this doesn’t seem to help, there may be a problem with your HVAC system. Maybe your air conditioner is too large for you house, or maybe your condenser coils are dirty. It could also be that the humidity in your home is too high for your system to control, or that your system has a refrigerant leak. It is wise to have seasonal maintenance to ensure that your HVAC is performing at its best.

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Upgrading to a high efficiency HVAC unit may also be a wise idea. Many modern systems have built in humidity control, so that they can alter humidity conditions as well as temperature. You can also install a whole home humidifier or dehumidifier, that works in tandem with your HVAC system to keep humidity levels under control. Talk to your HVAC technician about the best option for your home.

When you need HVAC service, trust McCrea Heating and Air Conditioning Service to deliver the best service possible: it’s the “McCrea Way”. We are committed to going above and beyond for our clients, always doing business honestly and ethically. We’ve served the Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland areas for over 85 years, and we plan to continue to deliver the McCrea Way for many years to come. Contact us for AC replacement, heating system replacement, and all of your HVAC service needs.?