5 Things that will Lower the Humidity in your Home

Indoor humidity can have a huge impact on your comfort level in your home.  It also can affect your home itself.  Ideally, the humidity in your home should fall in the range of 30-50%.  If the humidity in your home is too high, it can not only be uncomfortable, it can also lead to condensation and mold growth.  High humidity can lead to wood rot and peeling paint in your home and can even contribute to respiratory problems.  To achieve that proper balance of 30-50%, here are a few things you can do.

Air Conditioning.

First, if you want to get an accurate reading of the humidity in your home you can purchase a hygrometer at your local hardware store. If your humidity is too high, using your air conditioner will help automatically.  By removing hot air and replacing it with cooler air (which holds less moisture), using your air conditioner will naturally help to reduce indoor humidity.  Properly maintaining your air conditioner and changing your filters frequently will help keep airflow unrestricted and reduce humidity as well.  

Exhaust/Ventilation.

Using exhaust fans that ventilate air outside (not into the attic) when cooking and showering can reduce humidity.  It is a good idea to leave them on a little longer than just when you are cooking or showering to reduce the humidity even more.  It can also make a difference to reduce the temperature slightly when you shower as it will introduce less steam into the air.

Fix Leaks.

Anything you can do to lower the amount of moisture that is introduced in your home is good.  If you have leaky or dripping pipes, fixing those, and insulating your pipes to prevent condensation will both help lower the indoor humidity. Also make sure that drip pans and drain lines on your air conditioner are clean and free flowing. Even checking your gutters and areas around your home to make sure there is no standing water is helpful.

Charcoal.

Did you know … that charcoal briquettes can work as a desiccant?  Place a few charcoal briquettes in a plastic coffee container with a vent holes cut in it and replace them every 2-3 months.  It is a great low cost and simple way to pull moisture out of the air.

Dehumidifier.

Of course, the most effective way to reduce indoor humidity is by using a dehumidifier.  You can get portable dehumidifiers that are inexpensive and work very well.  But they do have to be emptied daily.  An even more efficient way to control the humidity in your home is to have a whole-home dehumidifier installed.  A whole-home dehumidifier goes inside your furnace/air handler and will pull moisture out of the air as it passes through.  This brings cooler dryer air into your home and actually helps your air conditioner work less, saving you money on cooling bills.

If you would like to reduce the humidity in your home, Royal Heating and Air can help.  Give us a call or request a quote on our website to learn more about having a whole-home dehumidifier installed, or for routine HVAC maintenance to keep your system working at peak efficiency.  Helping you control your indoor humidity is just one more way that Royal Heating and Air is the King of Comfort!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier in Your Home

Missouri summers can be not only hot, but also humid! That humidity can have a big effect on your indoor air quality. In addition to having a properly running Lake of the Ozarks air conditioning unit, you might consider investing in a dehumidifier to improve your indoor air quality. Keep reading to learn about some of the benefits of using a dehumidifier in your home.

Benefits of a Dehumidifier

When you live in a humid environment, allergies are a common issue. Small living spaces with limited ventilation, such as bathrooms or kitchen or even basements are common areas where moisture from the air can build up and cause problems. Here are a few benefits of adding a dehumidifier to your home.

1. Reduce Allergens - Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels which makes your home less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mold and mildew. They'll also reduce odors associated with those allergens. They can get rid of that musty or rotting smell. By removing allergens from the air, dehumidifiers reduce irritation to your skin and your respiratory system. This allows you to breathe easier and feel comfortable in your home. With less dust in your home, you also won't need to clean as often. 

2. Prevent Mold Growth - Moisture is required for mold to thrive; therefore, moisture control is key in mold prevention. A dehumidifier helps keep the moisture levels in your home low, reducing the possibility that mold will develop in your home, on the walls, furniture, your clothes, etc. Mold can also develop in your air conditioning system, so lowering the humidity levels can prevent that from happening and prevent you from breathing in contaminated air.

3. Lower Energy Costs - Dehumidifiers can aid in lowering your energy costs because they help your air conditioner run more efficiently. When the air is more humid, the AC must not only cool the air, but also remove moisture, which means it has to work harder. This can also cause your air conditioning system to wear out sooner, meaning you will need to replace and repair it more often.

Should I Get a Dehumidifier? 

If you're suffering from allergies, a dehumidifier could help you feel more comfortable in your home. In addition, if you see signs of high humidity levels in your home, you might want to invest in a dehumidifier. These signs can include water stains on the walls or ceilings, high humidity in rooms with poor ventilation, frequent condensation on windows, small black spots growing on walls or in bathtubs, and musty or mildew smells.

Your AC unit and dehumidifier work together to keep your indoor air quality in tip-top shape, helping you live a healthier, happier life. If you're experiencing any cooling issues in your home, contact us for professional air conditioning services at the Lake of the Ozarks. Royal Heating & Air is here for all your HVAC needs!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Natural Ways To Reduce Humidity In Your Home

Summer is just around the corner and you may already be feeling some of the effects. One of those may be the increase in humidity. With the warm weather we are getting here at the Lake, plus the recent storms, the humidity levels are inching up, and they will only continue to increase. If your home is feeling a bit muggy, Royal Heating & Air has a few tips to help you feel more comfortable.

Why Humidity Is Bad For Your Home

Your home's humidity levels should be around 30 - 50 percent for optimum comfort. When the humidity in your home begins to increase, it starts to get uncomfortable and things can begin to happen in your home.

- Your hair begins to frizz, which isn't a huge deal, but it can become hard to manage.

- Your home will feel hotter. Even when you have your AC set to a comfortable level, when your home has too much moisture, it won't feel that way.

- In addition to your home feeling hot, it will also feel wet. Your sweat won't be able to cool you off because it won't be able to evaporate.

- You may experience sleep problems.

- Mold spores will begin to grow and spread, which could cause health issues.

- Wood will begin to swell and doors can become stuck.

- Your pets will begin to smell. While this isn't a huge deal, nobody wants a stinky pet, especially when it can be prevented!

- Rust and oxidation can occur and when the humidity is high it can speed up the process.

How To Get Rid Of Humidity

- Ventilate. Ventilation in your home will increase the air flow, which can reduce the humidity levels.

- Fix leaky pipes. Check the pipes in your home and fix any leaky ones you may find. In addition, it's also best to remove any condensation from hot or cold pipes with insulation.

- Use fans. Fans will help get the air moving in your home and help with evaporation.

- Change the air filter regularly. When your air filter is dirty, it slows down the air flow in your home, which could result in your home's humidity levels rising.

- Take shorter showers. Long hot showers produce extra steam, which increases the humidity.

- Install a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier offers soothing relief from high humidity and cooling costs. It draws excess moisture from your home's indoor air and lets you feel comfortable without over-cooling your home.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can feel more comfortable in your home, call the "King of Comfort" at 573-480-4313. Royal Heating & Air can help you with everything from preventative maintenance to complete furnace and air conditioning installations. The best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks can provide you with affordable, dependable and trustworthy service.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com
CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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