Solving Humidity Problems in Your Home

Humidity levels in your home will change your level of comfort both in summer and in winter. Ideal humidity levels range between 40 to 60 percent. When your humidity level is too low your throat and skin can feel dry. When humidity levels are too high the environment can feel stuffy and you can develop mold problems.

Reducing humidity levels:

Using a dehumidifier is one the best way to reduce the level of humidity in most homes, especially in basement areas. Purchase the right size unit for the size of the area you need to dehumidify. You may need a unit for each level of your home if you are in a very humid environment.

Empty the holding tank or use a hose attached to the unit to provide a constant drain. Leaving water in the tank will only add to the humidity and mold may grow in the tank itself.

In bathrooms, the use of a venting fan will greatly reduce the humidity level and lessen the chance for mold build up. In others rooms in your home simply turning on a fan to produce a strong breeze can help lessen the humidity levels if you only have occasionally bad days.

Adding humidity:

Central humidifier systems can be built into your home's heating and air-conditioning system. This type of unit will add moisture to the air in any room in your home that has duct work. Some central systems can be programmed to your comfort level.

Portable and console units are available for use in smaller areas. Console units are usually larger and meant to remain stationary. Portable units can be moved from room to room for use as needed.

Ultrasonic units and vaporizers are also a choice in portable units. Ultrasonic units will create a cool mist and vaporizers create steam or a warm mist. In many vaporizing units a liquid menthol can be added to the water to help relieve cold symptoms.

Always keep both dehumidifier and humidifying systems clean to prevent mold and deposit build up. Tap or well water should not be used for humidifiers, minerals in the hard water can shorten the life of the system with lime build up. Most humidifying systems will recommend the use of distilled water.

There are free and quick ways to add humidity to a room when needed. You can place damp, but not dripping, towels or linens on a clothes rack to add moisture to the air in the room. If you place the rack near a fan the added air movement will help circulate the moisture.

You can also place a shallow bowl of clean water near heating vents in the winter. As the heated air passes over the bowl it will pick up moisture to help your comfort level. Remember if you have children or pets they may try to play in, or drink from, the water bowl.