Summertime in the south is no joke. We get long stretches of 90-degree weather and spend summer days trying to beat the heat. As if hot temperatures aren’t bad enough, adding humidity into the mix makes the weather even more miserable. When you’re trying to cool off your home, the last thing you want to deal with indoor humidity. The good news is that there are ways that you can reduce humidity in the home and feel cooler this summer season.
Why Worry About High Indoor Humidity?
High humidity has a lot of drawbacks. If your home feels too hot and humid, it’s time to take action. Otherwise, you might run into some of the following problems.
It Can Make You Uncomfortable
High humidity makes the air feel hotter than it really is. When there’s a lot of moisture in the air, your sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly. This natural cooling process of your body becomes less efficient, leaving you feeling warmer and a bit sticky. This is the definition of Florida in the summertime, and no one wants their home to feel like a humid summer day.
Humidity Can Damage Your Home
When humidity levels are high, it can ultimately damage your home. Moisture can seep into walls and floors, which over time can cause them to warp, crack, or even grow mold. Think about the bathroom mirror fogging up during a hot shower; now imagine that kind of moisture affecting your entire home. It’s not a pleasant thought, is it?
It Can Encourage Mold and Dust Mites
Mold loves moist environments, and dust mites thrive in them too. If the humidity in your house is too high, it provides the perfect breeding ground for these unwanted guests. Mold can lead to musty odors and health issues, especially for those with allergies or asthma. Dust mites contribute to this problem by adding to the allergens in your home.
It Can Increase Energy Costs
Trying to keep a humid home cool can be a challenge. Air conditioners have to work harder to remove the moisture from the air, not just lower the temperature. This means they use more energy, which can lead to higher electricity bills. Keeping humidity under control helps your air conditioner run more efficiently, saving you money and keeping your home comfortable.
Reducing Indoor Humidity Levels: Try These Basic Tips
If your humidity levels are too high in your home, you’ll need to get them under control. The good news is that there are some basic ways to find out why your home is humid and put a stop to it.
Check if Your Pipes are Leaking
Leaking pipes might not pop into your head when it comes to indoor humidity. However, this can certainly be a contributing factor. If moisture is coming from the pipes—including condensation—you might find yourself with a home that’s more humid than you’d like.
Want to insulate indoor pipes on the cheap? Consider using a few pool noodles. You can find these at the dollar store to cut down your spending even more. Slide them down the long side like a hot dog bun and fit them over the pipes, taping them around with duct tape if necessary.
Take Advantage of Your HVAC System
If you have an air conditioning system in your home, use this to your advantage. One of the ways that air conditioning keeps your home cool is by reducing in the humidity in your home. According to HGTV, the ideal humidity level in the home is between 30 to 60%. An air conditioning system can help regulate the humidity in your home and make you feel more comfortable. But keep in mind that over-taxing your air conditioning will lead to high energy bills.
Encourage Air Flow
If you don’t have an AC system, try to promote airflow in your home. Try using some standalone fans to increase the air to move from room to room. Fans will also help you make you feel cooler by removing moisture from your skin. A dehumidifier can also help the cooling process in combination with fans. HGTV suggests that you choose a system that can remove up to 90 points of humidity from the air.
How Can Hurricane Impact Windows Help Humidity Levels in Your Home?
When it comes to controlling humidity in your home, hurricane impact windows might not be the first solution that comes to mind. But the truth is that they can be surprisingly effective at keeping your home comfortable. Here’s how these specialized windows help maintain a comfortable humidity level inside your house.
Enhanced Insulation
Hurricane impact windows are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including powerful winds and heavy rain. Thanks to their robust construction, these windows provide superior insulation compared to standard windows.
This insulation is necessary for stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing the influx of outdoor humidity. With a more consistent indoor temperature, it’s easier to manage the moisture levels in your home. That is key to making your home feel less humid and more comfortable.
Improved Seal Integrity
Another key feature of hurricane impact windows is their airtight seals. These seals keep your cool air conditioning locked inside the home. If your windows have leay seals, you might continuously run your AC without any relief. That’s why your home might still feel humid even if you are running the air conditioning!
Reduced Condensation
Condensation on windows is a common problem in areas with high humidity. This occurs when moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface, like a window pane, and turns into water droplets.
Hurricane impact windows, with their enhanced thermal resistance, minimize the temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments, thereby reducing condensation. Less condensation means fewer moisture issues inside your home, which helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Say goodbye to foggy windows and hello to beautiful views of the Sunshine State!
Long-term Durability
The durability of hurricane impact windows also contributes to better humidity control. These windows are less likely to develop cracks or gaps over time, unlike standard windows, which might degrade under constant exposure to harsh weather conditions.
With fewer gaps or cracks, there’s less chance for humid air to penetrate into your home, ensuring that your indoor environment remains dry and comfortable.
Improve Indoor Comfort with Hurricane Impact Windows
If your home is too hot and humid, call us at Storm Pro Window and Door. Our energy efficient windows will make a difference in your home’s indoor comfort. Best of all, you’ll get peace of mind and protection from the strongest storms with our hurricane impact windows–no shutters required! Call us today for a free quote.