The sticky, hot summers most of us experience now feel so intense compared to the dry heat of the desert southwest. We laugh about comments like, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!” and assume we’re just suffering a necessary element of the weather. But did you know we can battle the humidity? And that we should? Central air conditioning systems already do reduce humidity inside homes, but you might want to consider helping it along by adding a dehumidifier.
Dehumidification is an important benefit of air conditioning for more reasons than we may think. Humidity is more than uncomfortable, it’s damaging to everything in our homes and to our immune systems. The EPA says, a humidity level of 35% to 50% is optimal indoors and a home with an indoor humidity level of 60% or higher can experience problems with condensation which leads to mold and mildew, musty odors, and pests. Pests thrive on damp conditions. Plus, living in a highly humid environment can exacerbate allergy symptoms, make existing respiratory problems worse, or create new ones for people (and pets).
Any type of air conditioning—even just an electric fan—can help reduce humidity levels inside, but even the best central air systems will struggle when outdoor heat rises. Using an additional appliance like a portable dehumidifier can help reduce all of the problems listed above and help your air conditioner cool more efficiently. While running one will require more electricity, the trade can be very beneficial by keeping your books, clothes and walls mold- and mildew-free. By keeping all those spores out of the air, and discouraging pests from hanging around, you’ll breathe easier. Literally.
If you have condensation collecting on the inside of your windows and musty odors, it’s clear the humidity levels in your home are too high. Don’t wait to find moldy books or trim work that’s damaged by pooling water or pests. Shop dehumidifiers at Aaron’s to find a portable solution that will help reduce the humidity inside your home now before you have pay for mold testing or allergy meds later.
