When the dog days of summer approach – and humidity levels go through the roof – it’s more than just your comfort level that can take a hit. High humidity levels can lead to both health issues and damage to your home.
Fortunately, there are solutions to lower humidity levels inside your home, including adding a whole-home dehumidifier to your HVAC system. Grove Heating & Cooling has provided Maryland homeowners with expert HVAC solutions for more than 15 years and has a great selection of whole house dehumidifiers from Honeywell to choose from.
Problems with High Humidity
When indoor humidity levels rise during the summer months, they can be detrimental to your health and home. In some climates, air conditioners can properly dehumidify your home; but the warm, muggy Maryland summers make having a whole house dehumidifier almost a necessity.
How Humidity Can Affect Your Health
High humidity allows for all types of bacteria to form inside your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor humidity levels of more than 90 percent are ideal growing grounds for mold and mildew, which thrive in these conditions. Exposure to such bacteria can lead to respiratory issues and other serious health issues.
Another unwelcome visitor to your home – that also enjoys soaking up high-humidity levels – are dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic-like insects that feed on dead human skin cells. There can be millions of such dust mites in a bed alone! Up to 10 percent of the American population, including 45 percent of people who suffer allergies, are sensitive to dust mites, which can worsen allergy symptoms and lead to other respiratory problems. About 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and high humidity can only exasperate their conditions.
How High Humidity Affects Your Home
Increased humidity during the summer months can negatively affect your air conditioning unit, as well as warp wooden floors and peel paint. When indoor humidity rises, your air conditioner works harder to cool heavier, moisture-filled air, which can strain the system and increase energy bills.
Increased humidity levels can also lead to musty smells and cause moisture to form on walls, ceilings and windows – causing damage to the home’s infrastructure.
What Humidity Level Should I Keep My Home at in the Summer?
To avoid issues from increased humidity that can negatively affect your health and home, experts recommend keeping the indoor humidity level between 30 and 50 percent during the summer and definitely below 60 percent.
How to Use Your HVAC System to Lower Humidity Levels
There are several simple tips to lower indoor humidity, including closing windows, fixing leaks and weather stripping all doors and windows.
But one of the best and most efficient ways is through a whole house dehumidifier. Whole home dehumidifiers are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They are installed directly to your air conditioning system and draw in air through the return ductwork. The system cools warm air and collects water droplets.
Whole house dehumidifiers remove humidity that your air conditioner can’t.
Grove offers several Honeywell whole house dehumidifiers, which can remove between 65 and 120 points of moisture per day, depending on the model you purchase.
Some of the other benefits of whole house dehumidifiers, include:
- Reducing allergens
- Decreasing dust mites, mold and other bacteria
- Saving money on energy bills
- Minimal maintenance
- Avoiding water damage in your home
On cooler summer days, whole home dehumidifiers can continue to run even when your air conditioner is off – creating a comfortable indoor environment. This also gives your air conditioning system a must-needed break to keep it running efficiently.
Trust Grove for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs
Maryland is no stranger to high humidity levels. These conditions indoors lead to musty smells and damage to wood furnishings, walls and ceilings. Trust Grove Heating & Cooling for installation or repair of a dehumidifier, and you’ll instantly enjoy better air quality! Our NATE-certified air specialists are trained to assess your indoor air quality and recommend the best options for you. Contact Grove Heating & Cooling today to discuss why a whole house dehumidifier might be just what you need.
