North Texas is no stranger to high humidity, especially in the hot spring and summer months. The sticky weather can be oppressive and uncomfortable outdoors, but it can cause significant problems indoors as well. A humid home poses some potential problems, from water damage to contaminant growth and pest infestations.
The ideal indoor relative humidity is between 30 and 50 percent, but homes in North Texas can climb well above that figure if not properly managed. To make sure your indoor living space is comfortable and protected, here are three important ways you can keep your humid home in check:
Check Your Ducts
One of the most common culprits when it comes to a humid home is a leaking or poorly-insulated duct system. In addition to causing your HVAC system to work harder and compromising its ability to condition your home’s air properly, leaking ducts can also cause unconditioned air to be pulled into your home from outside. Even small leaks can draw in a tremendous volume of moisture through any gaps in your building envelope, particularly on high-humidity days. Duct cleaning and inspections can remedy these potential problems.
Resize Your HVAC System
Many people assume that bigger is better when it comes to an HVAC system, but an oversized unit can cause serious issues inside your home. An air conditioner or heat pump that is too big for your home will often turn on frequently for short periods, which rapidly heats or cools the air but doesn’t leave enough time to remove moisture adequately. This process, called short cycling, can be corrected by installing a system that is better suited to the size of your home.
Install a Moisture Control System
The typical home HVAC system offers some capacity to control moisture and keep humidity in check, but if you find that your current system simply isn’t up to the task, it may be time to consider a more powerful solution. Whole-home dehumidifiers are specifically designed to remove moisture effectively and efficiently, making them an excellent option for homes that have moisture issues in high-humidity climates.
If you’re having trouble managing your indoor climate, explore Lex Air Conditioning and Heating‘s indoor air quality solutions or call us for more information.