What Is the Ideal Humidity Level?

There are many benefits that come with reducing the humidity level inside your home. It will make your home more comfortable in some of the warmest parts of the Florida summer, while also improving your indoor air quality in a variety of ways.

If you are to get the best results out of your air conditioning and dehumidifying processes, then it’s good to know the ideal humidity level you should be shooting for in your Tampa, FL home. Most experts recommend maintaining indoor air humidity levels of between 40 and 60 percent.

You can measure your indoor humidity levels with a hygrometer, a handheld instrument you can find at a hardware store or through your HVAC contractor (as well as online). You can carry the hygrometer around with you to different rooms in your home and measure the relative humidity in each area, so you can decide which parts of your home are at particular risk for high humidity.

To help you maintain these proper air humidity levels, you should also understand the practical steps you can employ to lower humidity within your home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Dehumidifiers: The use of dehumidifiers will be a great benefit in maintaining the proper humidity levels in your home. Air conditioners will help to an extent, but dehumidifiers will ensure you remove moisture from the air to get your home to a comfortable setting. Individual room dehumidifiers can be used to great effect, but many Florida homes will benefit from whole-house dehumidifiers, considering the nature of the climate down here.
• Run exhaust fans: Any time you’re taking a shower or cooking, you should run the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen. These activities result in a lot of steam and humidity, and you’re better off not allowing it to build up in these areas of your home.
• Improve air movement: Air circulation helps to prevent a buildup of standing water, and also creates a cooling effect that can be very helpful on hot, muggy days. You might also consider installing ceiling fans in each room. Even if you have air conditioning in your home already, the extra circulation from ceiling fans can be quite beneficial.
• Address water leaks: If you believe you have any water leaks in your home, it is important to address them as soon as possible after discovering them, because they could be contributing to high humidity levels, as well as possible mold growth. Look in spots such as underneath sinks, behind toilets and in unfinished areas of your home.
• Open windows: On the few days where we have low humidity, you should open up your windows and let fresh air blow through your home. This will help to even out your home’s humidity levels. But if the humidity level is higher than ideal, you should keep your windows closed and let your HVAC system do its job.

For more information about the steps you can take to lower humidity levels in your home in Tampa, FL, contact Kenny’s Air Conditioning & Heating Services, Inc. today to speak with an experienced HVAC contractor.

Categorised in: Humidity