Maintaining indoor air quality during the humid summer months is crucial to ensure a comfortable and healthy environment. At Unique Air Heating & Cooling in Gastonia, NC, we understand the challenges high humidity levels can bring, such as increased allergies, mold growth, and an overall uncomfortable atmosphere. Here, we’ll share our indoor air quality solutions and tips for homeowners to combat hot, humid weather conditions and achieve clean, refreshing indoor air.
Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels
Monitoring indoor humidity levels can help you maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment, especially during the humid summer months. Excess humidity often leads to mildew and mold growth, allergens, bacteria, and dust mites. These common problems aggravate respiratory conditions and trigger allergies. We recommend monitoring your indoor humidity levels with a hygrometer. Your hygrometer should report humidity levels between 30% and 50% to prevent these issues.
Use Dehumidifiers in Problem Areas
If your home frequently has more than 50% humidity, we recommend a standalone dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from your indoor air, keeping mold and mildew growth at bay, and creating a drier space less hospitable to dust mites. You may need multiple dehumidifiers if you have a large home and humidity is concentrated throughout.
You’ll need a dehumidifier the most in your basement and bathroom areas. Choose a dehumidifier with the appropriate capacity for your room size to efficiently remove moisture from the air. Regularly empty the water reservoir and clean the filter to keep your dehumidifier in tip-top shape.
Keep Windows and Doors Sealed With Strong Weatherstripping
Keeping windows and doors sealed with strong weatherstripping is important for maintaining indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Weatherstripping acts as a barrier, preventing moisture, pests, pollutants, and outdoor air from entering your home. It also effectively keeps your cooler, drier air indoors. Protect your home by first identifying areas where air escapes or enters.
Check your windows and doors for gaps and drafts. Next, choose high-quality weatherstripping materials such as silicone, rubber, and foam, which offer durability and effective sealing. Install weatherstripping along the edges of windows and doors to ensure a tight fit. Regularly check for worn or damaged weatherstripping to maintain a tight seal, helping with energy costs and keeping indoor humidity levels stable for a healthier home.
Invest in High-Quality HEPA Air Filters
Investing in high-quality HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) air filters is essential for improving indoor air quality, especially during humid summers. Opt for HEPA filters with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of 10 or higher to effectively capture microscopic particles, including dust, mold spores, and allergens. When selecting filters, consider compatibility with your existing HVAC system, the size of your home, and the desired MERV rating. Replace your filters every 60 to 90 days. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or if you have pets, replace them every 30 to 60 days.
Regularly Clean and Maintain Your HVAC System
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your HVAC system is important for ensuring fresh, clean air throughout your home during hot, humid months. Schedule professional HVAC maintenance every six months to inspect and clean components such as coils, ductwork, and filters. Change your air filters every 60 to 90 days, and more frequently if you notice significant dust and debris buildup. Keep your outdoor units clean and trim any vegetation around them to prevent interference with airflow. Regular maintenance and cleaning will also increase your HVAC system’s life expectancy.
Increase Ventilation with Fans and Exhausts
Increasing ventilation with fans and exhausts is a great way to improve your indoor air quality by circulating air and creating a cooler breeze. This cooling sensation helps the room feel fresher and more comfortable. Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to move hot air out of your home.
If you do not have a whole-house fan, consider setting up several portable fans around your home. Fans can be used with or without windows open to create a more natural ventilation system. While fans help the air feel fresher and create a sense of temperature drop, your HVAC system needs air conditioning to significantly reduce indoor temperatures.
Keep Indoor Plants For Natural Air Purification
Indoor plants are a great natural and effective way to purify indoor air and boost air quality year-round, not just during hot, humid months. Plants such as peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants are known for their air-purifying properties, absorbing harmful toxins and releasing oxygen.
Plants also increase humidity levels through transpiration and can balance indoor moisture levels. Add one to two plants per 500 square feet of indoor space, spreading them out to benefit each room. Remember that these plants require care, including watering and trimming, to stay healthy and purify your air effectively.
Avoid Smoking Indoors
This might seem self-explanatory, but many homeowners forget how much smoking can harm indoor air quality. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals and pollutants that linger in the air and contribute to indoor air pollution. These pollutants can stay in the air for a long time and create poor indoor air quality. Cigarette smoke also leaves behind unpleasant odors, which can be exacerbated by warm, humid weather.
Contact Us Today
Maintaining indoor air quality during hot, humid summer months is not just about comfort but also about protecting your health. By implementing the tips and strategies we’ve outlined, you can manage your home’s humidity levels, limit allergens, and ensure your indoor air is fresh and clean. Regular HVAC system maintenance, using dehumidifiers, and ensuring proper ventilation are crucial steps toward achieving this goal.
If you find it difficult or overwhelming, reach out to us and schedule an appointment. We would be happy to help you create a healthier indoor environment and banish humidity from your home. We also offer smart thermostats, ductwork, property management, and a wide variety of cooling and heating services. Please contact us at Unique Air Heating & Cooling to start achieving healthier indoor air quality in your Gastonia home.