How to Reduce Indoor Humidity

This is definitely a summertime topic, especially if you have forced air heat. Because when your furnace is running, you’re way more likely to complain about too little vs. too much indoor humidity.

So here it is, summer in Massachusetts, and you’re uncomfortable not only inside your own house, but inside your own skin. Chances are, you find high humidity an even bigger problem at night while you toss and turn hoping to get back to sleep, or get to sleep at all.

If you don’t have central air conditioning, humidity control is a very good reason to consider acquiring it now. Because once your new system is installed, you’ll forget all about high indoor humidity, at least where you live. Or, let’s say you do have central air and only over the past few years have you noticed humidity levels rising even when your system is on.  That’s called wear and tear, and it’s a natural consequence of an aging system – it simply can’t remove humidity like it once could.

If buying a new or replacement AC system is not a practical move for you right now, here are some other ways to reduce your indoor humidity levels:

• Check for leaking pipes. Standing water anywhere in your home – or condensation from hot or cold-water pipes – is going to drive humidity levels higher. Repair any leaks and consider insulating exposed water pipes.
• Check for indoor window condensation and re-caulk as necessary to keep moisture out.
• Increased air flow helps provide relief from high humidity. So at night, once the outdoor and indoor temperatures are roughly equal, open some windows and turn on a fan or two. This would also be an excellent time to consider purchasing a whole-house attic fan.
• Cook less.
• Take shorter showers.
• If you don’t have a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan, now’s a good time to install one. Or, at least open windows while cooking or showering.
• If it’s not too warm in your house at night, run your fireplace or wood stove.

You can also contact Correct Temp for a free estimate on a whole-house dehumidifier for your home. That way, you can maintain the recommended relative humidity levels:  between 30-50%. You can also adjust those levels at any time. It’s a fast, effective, and affordable way to enjoy greater comfort this and every summer.