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Statesville, NC tends to experience some unpredictable conditions that can lead to indoor humidity problems. The dry air during the winter months will dry out wood and fabrics, causing issues with cracking and warping. During the summer, the high humidity sometimes seeps indoors, resulting in excess moisture that hurts your home’s furnishings. Fortunately, there is a way to ensure your house has optimal humidity at all times with the help of our team here at Evergreen Heating & Air LLC. It starts with understanding how seasonal changes affect indoor air and using various tips to balance moisture levels throughout the year.
How Dry Indoor Air Affects Your Health and Home
Air with minimal moisture in it can cause dry skin, chapped lips, a sore throat and irritating sinus and respiratory symptoms. On top of that, it can affect your furnishings by pulling moisture out of wood and other porous materials. You might notice shrinkage and cracks in hardwood flooring or warps and splits in cabinetry made of natural materials. The paint or wallpaper on the walls might even start peeling off, resulting in an expensive renovation project.
The Impact of Too Much Moisture
Too much moisture in the air is just as harmful as not enough. Excess humidity creates optimal conditions for mold growth, dust mites and insect infestations. A lot of people with allergies or asthma will notice worsening symptoms when there’s too much moisture in the air. The humidity also makes the air feel warmer and uncomfortable, which may lead to you using your air conditioning equipment more. This puts extra wear on your cooling system and increases your cooling costs. From a structural standpoint, the mold growth created by the excess humidity can cover walls, ceilings and insulation. Condensation will build up on windows and ductwork, causing wood to swell and warp. If you don’t fix the moisture problem fast, it can even cause foundation problems.
Install a Whole-House Humidifier for Dry Air
Homes that constantly deal with dry indoor air can greatly benefit from a whole-home humidifier. This setup connects straight to the HVAC to deliver moisture in the air when the AC or furnace kicks on. You can set a target humidity level, and the device will automatically adjust and maintain it throughout your home. Properly installed whole-home humidifiers can get rid of most dry indoor air problems. You’ll likely notice fewer sinus problems and better protection of furniture and flooring. Plus, your HVAC system will perform more efficiently since it can maintain comfort without overworking.
Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier for Excess Moisture
A whole-house dehumidifier does the opposite of a humidifier. It can remove moisture from the air. This device is perfect for homes that struggle with excess humidity. They are particularly helpful during the summer months when humidity levels rise. Like whole-home humidifiers, a dehumidifier syncs with your HVAC system to automatically regulate indoor humidity. By removing moisture from the air, they help prevent mold growth and condensation. Many homeowners report being able to set the thermostat higher without losing comfort because the air feels cooler. Whole-home dehumidifiers can save you thousands of dollars on repairs related to moisture damage, mold and wood rot.
Use Both a Humidifier and a Dehumidifier for Seasonal Changes
Homes in Statesville and other areas that face extreme seasonal weather may need both systems: a whole-house dehumidifier and a whole-house humidifier. This dual-system approach provides precise humidity control. On dry days, the humidifier will kick on to add moisture to dry indoor air. During humid days, the dehumidifier activates to remove excess moisture. You’ll enjoy year-round protection against dry skin, mold growth and indoor air discomfort. Having both systems takes the guesswork out of humidity management and increases convenience.
Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels with a Hygrometer
If you don’t have a whole-house humidification setup, you can always monitor the humidity levels yourself. To do this, you’ll use a hygrometer and check the moisture in each room. The ideal range is 35% to 50%. For rooms that fall outside this range, you can use a humidifier or dehumidifier to bring the humidity back to a comfortable level.
Seal Windows and Doors to Prevent Air Leaks
Gaps and cracks around windows and doors will let conditioned air seep out and outdoor moisture seep in. Both problems disrupt indoor humidity balance. Weatherstripping or caulking the frames and seams is the best way to prevent energy loss and humidity fluctuations.
Use Exhaust Fans in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Your kitchen and bathrooms are two of the biggest sources of moisture in the home. Every time you cook, shower or run water for any reason, it adds humidity to the air. That’s why proper ventilation in these spaces is so important. You’ll want to run exhaust fans when you shower or take a bath. In the kitchen, you can use a range hood and open windows to keep moisture levels in check. If you don’t have built-in exhaust fans, it’s possible to add wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted versions for optimal ventilation.
Keep HVAC Filters Clean and Changed Regularly
Dirty air filters make it nearly impossible for an HVAC system to run efficiently. The AC can’t remove moisture from the air effectively, and the heater can over-dry the air. Changing the air filter once every 30 to 60 days is crucial to maintaining proper airflow and balanced humidity. For ductless setups, more frequent filter changes are necessary.
Run Ceiling Fans to Improve Air Circulation
Ceiling fans are helpful for maintaining ideal humidity levels, but you must use them strategically. During the summer, the blades should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down and create a windchill effect. During the winter, reverse the direction so that the gentle updraft will pull warm air up without drying the room too much. Enhanced air circulation helps with humidity by distributing moisture evenly and preventing hot, stagnant air pockets.
Avoid Overwatering Indoor Plants
Indoor plants work great for adding beauty and a calming atmosphere to indoor spaces. Some plants, like peace lilies and snake plants, can even provide minor air-purifying benefits. When you water the plants, you must be careful not to overwater them. If you do, the damp soil and standing water will create pockets of moisture that are released into the air. As time passes, the additional moisture can be a contributor to mold and mildew growth. The best way to water the plants is to stick to a watering schedule and make sure all pots have proper drainage.
Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance to Catch Humidity Issues Early
During maintenance checks, we’ll inspect and adjust key components to make sure the whole HVAC contributes to better humidity management. If we spot any buildup on the evaporator coil, we’ll clean away the grime to restore proper airflow. This will improve the HVAC’s ability to regulate humidity without compromising energy efficiency.
Evergreen Heating & Air LLC offers indoor air quality solutions along with HVAC installation, repair, and tune-up services. We are the go-to HVAC company for improved indoor comfort. Call Evergreen Heating & Air LLC today to book reliable heating and air services in the Statesville area.
(704) 449-3454
