Asheville summers are hot and humid. It’s inevitable that some that outdoor humidity will seep into your home. And that’s okay. Some humidity is good because if your home is too dry, you probably won’t be comfortable. But too much humidity can be a problem too. So, when is your home too humid and what can you do about it?
Why Running Your Air Conditioner Should Help
Running your air conditioner will combat a lot of the humidity in your home. It cools your home by removing the heat and humidity from your home. Most properly sized, efficient air conditioners will keep your home cool and comfortable. If your unit is struggling to cool your home, first consider whether your air conditioner is sized properly to meet your home’s cooling load? First, make sure your outdoor unit is running, check to see if there is ice at the indoor unit on the coil or ice on the lines at the outdoor unit. Also, it so important to make sure your air filters are clean. A dirty air filter will restrict return airflow to your system and can cause poor performance or even system failure. If you know your air conditioner is in good working order and running efficiently, humidity could be to blame.
The Air Feels Clammy
When humidity levels are too high; over 55%, the air around you can feel more wet and clammy. Your skin may feel sticky and your windows can fog up. We live in the South, where humidity levels are extremely high in the summer. If you are experiencing high humidity in your home, Sheer Comfort can help. Contact us!
Condensation in Asheville and Fletcher, NC
High levels of humidity can produce condensation in your home. When warm, humid air meets cool air, water droplets form. This is condensation. Not only can it cause fogging on your windows, but you may even see it on your walls and ceiling. You’re also likely to see it around your air vents as well. Cool air runs through your ductwork in your attic and through the vents on your ceiling where it meets warmer humid air.
Mold and Mildew
Excessive amounts of condensation create the right environment for microbial growth. Mold and mildew may contribute to a range of health issues and damage to the inside of walls and ceilings. This can be expensive to repair and can be prevented. If you feel your allergies are getting worse, it might be due to microbial growth in your home. Mold is a common allergen and you’ll want to consider having a professional check for mold in your home.
What Can You Do to Reduce Humidity in Asheville?
Humid air can seep into your home through cracks and holes in your ductwork and this can lead to elevated levels of humidity in your home. Your best line of defense is to have a certified HVAC technician from Sheer Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning check for potential duct leakage problems.
Make sure to use your exhaust fans when you take a shower or bath. Purchasing a home dehumidifier is another option to reduce humidity in the home. Your HVAC system can be your best defense against humidity in the mountains. Sheer Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in installing properly sized energy-efficient equipment to keep your come cool and comfortable.
Sheer Comfort can also make sure your existing air conditioner is working efficiently. Speak to your certified HVAC technician at Sheer and keep to a regular maintenance schedule on your home’s heating and air conditioning system.