Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
September 22 marked the first day of fall but if you live in middle Tennessee, you know that the heat and humidity of summer can extend beyond the end of the summer season. If high humidity infiltrates into your home, it can have a host of negative consequences. Humidity can pose a problem no matter what time of year it is. We explore this topic in greater detail, today on the blog.
What are the warning signs of excess indoor humidity?
- Does the air in your home feel moist or sticky?
- Do your clothes or even your closets have a musty odor?
- Is there a damp smell inside your home?
- Do you notice condensation on the inside of closed windows?
- Is there moisture or wetness on your walls?
- Do you notice strange dark on your walls, ceiling or floor?
- If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then you likely have excess humidity in your home.
The risks of excess humidity
- Illness: Living in too much humidity can lead to illness, as bacteria can proliferate in the warmer, wetter air. Humidity also can aggravate or intensity symptoms for people who are living with asthma or allergies.
- Biological growth: Mild and mildew flourish in moisture – such as areas where humidity levels are too high. We have told you before about the health risks associated with mold and, without having mold treated and remediated, you could see the development of harmful toxic mold.
- Damage: That excess moisture can cause damage in your home. Peeling paint or wallpaper, buckling floors and water stains all can be evidence of this. Once moisture infiltrates the walls or floor of your home, it can be difficult to fully dry the area.
What is the ideal level of indoor humidity?
This can vary based on personal preference, but generally, the sweet spot is considered to be anywhere between 30% and 50%.
Factors that may influence your preferred humidity level include:
- Any pre-existing health conditions
- The type of furnishings you have in your home
- The structural layout of the building
- The perceived comfort level
A humidity level that might feel muggy and stifling to you might feel perfect to someone else. You also may want to adjust humidity levels as the seasons change. The Environmental Protection Agency advises keeping indoor humidity below 60% to limit the growth of biological threats such as mold and mildew while also reducing potential associated health problems.
Reducing humidity inside your home
If you have any type of air conditioner, it removes humidity from the air in your home, but it may not be able to maintain the ideal humidity levels by itself. For the best results, you may want to install a dehumidifier. This removes moisture from the air before it can circulate throughout your home. A dehumidifier works best if it is installed in the lower level of your home such as the crawlspace or basement.
Your Aprilaire dehumidifier provider for Nashville and Murfreesboro in Tennessee
Not all dehumidifiers are created equal. Many are not large enough to remove all of the excess humidity Most dehumidifiers, however, are simply not up to the job. The small coil of a regular dehumidifier is inefficient at pulling moisture from the cooler, crawl space air, so it has to run longer and work harder. This is why Ameri Care Services works with Aprilaire dehumidifiers. These expertly designed machines help control the humidity in your crawlspace or basement and, therefore, inside the living area of your home. Ameri Care Services is proud to be an Aprilaire Certified Pro Partner for residential and commercial customers in the areas of Nashville and Murfreesboro. To find out more about our dehumidifier services, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our technicians. Just call (615) 893-7111 or contact us online.