Excess humidity is a common problem in homes. If you don’t take steps to control it, your HVAC system will be unable to do the job it needs to do, which can lead to more problems in your home. Here are some tips on how you can reduce excess moisture and keep your home safe:
Cleaning Your HVAC
To ensure that your air conditioner is working efficiently, it’s essential to maintain it regularly. Here are some steps that can help you keep your home cool and dry:
Clean the air conditioner’s filters regularly. This will prolong the life of your system and make it more energy-efficient. It’s also essential if you have pets or allergies because they can cause buildup in the filter. We recommend replacing or cleaning your filters at least every two to three months, which typically coincide with season changes.
Keep coils clean and free of dust. Dirt and debris on coils can block airflow, which reduces efficiency and could lead to decreased cooling capacity over time.
Cleaning coils periodically should be part of an annual tune-up; otherwise, you may need to have them cleaned by a professional if they become clogged with too much dust or debris (e.g., leaves). It would be best if this task were done during cooler months when windows can remain closed so as not to let dust blow back into the home when cleaning takes place outside!
When cleaning any component in your HVAC system, please dry them properly! You do not want excess moisture in your HVAC system. This can produce an unpleasant mildew smell and lead to unwanted mold growth.
Do I Need To Clean Filters That Often?
Filters need to be cleaned regularly. The frequency will depend on how much dust, pollen, and dust mites are present in your area, but cleaning should occur at least every two months. If you don’t clean them, they will become clogged and not work correctly. It can be tedious but think about the money you save on repairs.
Spotting HVAC Issues
You may notice condensation on your windows, especially at night or in humid weather. This usually happens because the air inside your home has become too humid from having too many occupants or from other sources of moisture, such as cooking or bathing.
There are two leading causes of excess humidity:
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Cold air entering the house through cracks around doors and windows can cause the moisture in indoor air to condense into droplets on more excellent surfaces such as glass panes. The same thing happens when warm air escapes outside through vents and ducts — if it’s not vented correctly, it can leave behind a lot of moisture that turns into condensation on cold surfaces like windowpanes during colder seasons (and vice versa).
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Excessive humidity also builds up when you have lots of people living together in one house and don’t have enough ventilation for their activity level; this is especially true if there aren’t any cool areas within reach where people can go once they get tired out from being active all day long without taking breaks here and there (like when someone goes outside just before bedtime).
If you spot this humidity issue, it is a sign your HVAC needs service, as it should be equipped to dehumidify a home. However, sometimes clogs or malfunctioning components can lead to an HVAC not properly pulling moisture from your home. Quick inspections can spot these issues before they snowball into something worse.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers can help you reduce the effects of excess humidity. Dehumidifiers are available in various sizes and styles, some more powerful than others. A dehumidifier is a very effective way to keep your home dry and comfortable. You may even notice that using a dehumidifier helps you breathe easier because it removes excess moisture from the air, which can aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms.
If you’re unsure whether or not you need one yet, consider asking yourself these questions: Do I feel stuffy when I’m inside? Does my hair get frizzy? Do I have an itchy throat when I wake up in the morning? If so, then it’s probably time to invest in one!
TriState Home Services is here to help with all your HVAC needs, no matter the season! So give us a call today at (301) 228-0286 !
