Humidity is something that all homes have. After all, there’s typically at least some moisture vapor in the air at all times.
If your home has a humidity problem, though, it will have an excessive amount of moisture vapor.
So, how do you know if your home has a humidity problem?
#1) Moisture on Windows
If you see moisture droplets accumulating on the interior of your home’s windows, it could be a sign of a humidity problem.
When the air inside your home is warmer than the air outside your home, the warm and humid air will gravitate towards the cooler surface of glass windows.
As the moisture vapor collects on the windows, it will create visible water droplets.
#2) Mold and Mildew
The presence of mold and mildew may also indicate your home has a humidity problem.
Although there are dozens of types of mold- and mildew-causing fungi, nearly all of them thrive in humid environments.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for instance, recommends homeowners to maintain a relative humidity of less than 60% to discourage mold.
If your home has a higher relative humidity, mold and mildew may grow.
#3) Rotting Wood
Allowing high humidity to go unchecked in your home could lead to rotting wood.
Whether it’s the walls, ceilings, floors or supporting structures, wooden components used in your home’s construction could rot if the humidity is too high.
Wood is absorbent, so it collects and holds moisture vapor. If wood absorbs too much moisture, it will rot and decay.
#4) Musty Smells
Of course, musty smells are often indicative of a humidity problem. This is usually the result of mold or mildew.
As mold and mildew thrive, they release compounds that create a musty smell that’s similar to a damp basement or crawlspace.
#5) Pests
If your home has a humidity problem, it may also have a pest problem.
Many pests, including termites, prefer humid environments over dry environments. With consistently high humidity, you may encounter more pests in and around your home.
How to Solve Your Home’s Humidity Problem
To solve your home’s humidity problem, you should evaluate your AC system.
A high-quality AC system in the appropriate size for your home will both cool your home while also keeping the humidity levels in check.
If your AC system is too small or too large, it may struggle to remove a sufficient amount of moisture vapor from the air.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
