High humidity causes discomfort and can lead to damaging mold and mildew growth if left untreated. Luckily, a dehumidifier is a simple and easy solution. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to feel hot and sticky to have too-high humidity levels. Here are five signs you may need a dehumidifier in your home.
1. Condensation on Windows
Have you noticed moisture on the inside of your windows? This is a telltale sign that the humidity is too high. While it’s common to see condensation in the winter when indoor temperatures are higher than outdoor temps, you should measure your humidity levels if you have this issue constantly.
2. Wet Spots and Stains on Walls or Ceilings
Water stains are often caused by a leaky roof or pipe, but they can also indicate high humidity. Immediately investigate the cause of any wet spots or stains. If you’ve ruled out other issues, humidity is likely the problem.
3. Musty Smells or Visible Mold Growth
Do you walk into a room and smell a musty odor? This indicates invisible mold or mildew. If you actually see mold, then you know you have a major issue. This needs to be addressed immediately because mold exposure can cause many health problems.
4. Rotting Wood
Wood rot is often caused by high humidity. Keep an eye on window sills, door casings, cabinets, and other wooden accents in your home. If you see any signs of rot, don’t wait to take action.
5. Allergy Symptoms
Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and stuffy nose could be caused by outdoor allergens. However, these symptoms are also triggered by irritants indoors. A humid home encourages mold, mildew, and dust mite growth. Pay attention to your symptoms and note when they flare up. If you’ve spent the whole day inside and you’re still suffering, or if it gets worse when you come home after being away, you might have high humidity issues.
Choosing a Dehumidifier
There are many steps you can take to address high humidity, such as adding insulation and sealing cracks. However, a dehumidifier is usually the most effective solution. It gives you more control over the humidity levels and improves your comfort.
There are two options when shopping for a dehumidifier: portable room dehumidifiers and whole-house dehumidifiers.
Portable Room Dehumidifiers
A portable unit can be moved around to different rooms and costs less than whole-home models. It’s a suitable choice for situations where the humidity issues are concentrated to just one or two rooms.
Whole-House Dehumidifiers
Whole-home dehumidification systems are installed directly in your HVAC unit or connected to your ductwork. These systems are capable of controlling humidity levels throughout your entire home and are a good solution if your humidity problems are more widespread.
Get a Professional Evaluation of Your Home’s Humidity Levels
If you’re not sure what your humidity levels are or would like advice on the best solutions, contact RSC Heating & Air Conditioning. We have been certified as a Healthy Air Expert and can help you achieve balanced humidity levels throughout your home.
Give us a call at (717) 299-3914 or reach out to us through our online form.
