A walk in the park is no “walk in the park” on a hot, humid day. As soon as you pull out the towel or hanky to wipe away the sweat, the walk is over. Then again, you’d probably skip that little excursion in the first place.

On the other hand, what happens when it’s extra humid inside your own home? It’s much harder to escape that unpleasantness, especially from dusk until dawn.

High indoor humidity can be caused by a several factors, including an aging central AC system. Feelings of discomfort are only part of the problem. You’re also likely to lose sleep, witness mold growth which, in turn, can cause damage to your home.

So, we all agree – excess humidity needs to go. Now let’s discover how.

Aging AC System

If it’s hot and sticky outside and you have an older AC system, comfort levels are greatly reduced. AC systems gradually lose their ability to remove excess humidity. When that happens, you need to lower the temperature to cool off – that generates even more wear and tear on your system until it eventually wears itself out for good.

Poor Ventilation

Cooking, showering, and washing can lead to increased moisture in the air, especially without proper ventilation. Cooking and running the dishwasher add water vapor to the air. Indulging in long, hot showers also add excess moisture. Make sure that your dishwasher, clothes dryer, and stove are properly vented outside, and run the bathroom exhaust fan during and for 10 minutes after a shower or bath. Or crack a window open if no exhaust fan is present.

Leaks

Whether it’s a leaky faucet or an air leak around an exterior window, outdoor humidity gains easier access indoors. Some leaks, like that from a faucet, shower head, or toilet, are easy to spot. Others from plumbing hidden by drywall are not. Check for wall and ceiling discoloration, bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper, musty odors, or the sound of water dripping behind walls or from overhead. Additionally, inspect exterior windows and doors for cracked or missing seals that could be letting warm, humid air in – repair or replace, as necessary.

Soil

The ground your home sits on can also be to blame for high indoor humidity. Rain and groundwater can accumulate in and around a home’s foundation resulting in damp and humid basement conditions. Make sure the area around your home is properly graded to gently slope away from the foundation, install window wells around basement windows, and keep gutters and downspouts clear so rainwater and melting snow flow away from your home.

C&D Has the Solution – Make that Two!

If your AC system is at least 10 years old, it’s likely failing you in multiple capacities:

• More frequent and costlier repairs
• Higher utility costs
• Increased indoor humidity
• Reduced comfort overall

The easy solution is to replace it, but not everyone is ready to do so. So, your next best option is to install a whole-house dehumidifier that would work in tandem with your AC system to keep relative indoor humidity where you want it – between 30% and 50%. Contact C&D Cooling today for a free comfort evaluation and new system proposal.