If you are a Floridian, you are familiar with the word, humidity. Humidity is defined as “a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air.”
Increased humidity leaves you feeling wet, sticky and just uncomfortable. While you cannot escape humidity outdoors in Florida, there are ways you can control it indoors. Indoor humidity is one of the most ignored aspects of indoor climate control, and because of that can be contributing to your discomfort inside your home.
Ideally, Florida homes should maintain indoor humidity levels between 45% and 55%.
The easiest way to measure indoor humidity is by purchasing a hygrometer. Once you have your hygrometer, simply place the device in the area you want to test and follow the instructions provided to measure the air in your home. The hygrometer will show your home’s humidity level in a percentage. Are your results higher than 45-50%? If so, you need to reduce your humidity levels indoors.
The most common sources of humidity in your home come from your bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. These areas in particular tend to be the most humid spots in the home thanks to excess moisture in the air. The good news is you can lower your indoor humidity levels! Here are 5 easy ways you can achieve a more comfortable indoor climate and control indoor humidity levels in Florida:
Use a dehumidifier Utilize houseplants Use fans Use your exhaust and ventilation fans Turn on your AC
Did you know your HVAC unit can help control your indoor humidity levels? Your air conditioning system has evaporator coils that condense moisture from indoor air. The hot and moist air inside your room is taken to the cold evaporator coils. This air is then condensed and the liquid is taken out of it through condensation. The moisture is collected in the drain pan and is sent outside your house through a drain pipe. This process results in the dehumidification of your rooms.
Humidity plays a significant role in maintaining a perfect home climate, especially during summer in Florida. Is your HVAC system controlling your home’s indoor humidity level properly? If you are struggling with excess humidity inside your home, it may be time to have the professionals check it out. Our trained technicians at Mason Air Conditioning & Heating will evaluate your current unit and provide their recommendations at no cost to you. Call Mason Air Conditioning and Heating today 727-433-9853 or schedule an appointment online to get your humidity levels in your home under control.