The humidity level in your home will change the level of comfort in both summer and winter. Ideal humidity levels range between 40 to 60 percent. When your humidity is right, your throat will press and skin may feel dry. When humidity levels are too high, the environment can become stuffy and mold problems can develop.
Reducing humidity levels
Using a dehumidifier is the best way to reduce the level of humidity in most homes, especially in basement areas. Buy the right size unit for the size of the area you need to dehumidify. You may need a unit for each level of your home if you are in a very humid environment.
A vacuum tank or hose attached to the unit should be used to provide constant drainage. Leaving water in the tank can only add moisture and mold can grow in the tank itself.
In bathrooms, the use of a fan will greatly reduce flat humidity and reduce the chance for mold to build up. In other rooms in your home, simply turning on the fan to produce a strong breeze can help lower humidity levels if you just have the occasional bad day.
Adding humidity:
Central humidification systems can be built into your heating and air conditioning. This type of unit will add moisture to the air in any room in your home that has duct work. Some central systems can be programmed to your comfort level.
Portable and console units are available for use in smaller areas. Solar units are usually larger and designed to remain unoccupied. Portable units can be moved from room to room for use as needed.
Ultrasonic units and vaporizers are also a choice in portable units. Cool ultrasonic units and vaporizers will create a warm vapor or mist. In many vaporizing units liquid menthol can be added to water to relieve cold symptoms.
Always keep dehumidifying and humidifying systems clean to prevent mold and deposit build-up. Tap water or well water humidifiers should not be used, the minerals in hard water reduce the life of the system. to build with lime. Most humidification systems will recommend the use of distilled water.
There are free and easy ways to add humidity to a room when needed. You can put damp, but not wet, towels or sheets on the clothes rack to add moisture to the air in the room. If you place the rack next to the fan the added air movement will help move the moisture around.
You can also place a small bowl of clean water near heating vents in winter. As the heated air passing over the bowl will remove moisture from your comforter to help. Remember if children-and-pets children or pets try to play, or drink, water bowl.
