As an HVAC and plumbing company in Toledo, Ohio, humidity is an issue that the expert technicians at Fry have been dealing with since we first opened our doors. Toledo is known for its humidity, and given our location near the lake, this humidity belt goes all the way through the Ohio Valley. We know how to deal with it, and in this blog, we will explore some of the best ways to control your humidity level and create the ideal home environment without breaking the bank.
High Humidity
High humidity is the norm in many homes in Toledo, OH, particularly during the summer. High humidity can feel damp and heavy, and it can lead to an increased risk of mold or mildew growth, especially in older homes. However, you are in luck, as we have several effective ways to reduce humidity in your home and many of them are simple solutions.
Improve Ventilation
It may seem simple, but installing and using exhaust fans in high humidity environments can help remove humid air from your home. Try running your over the stove fan and bathroom fans more often, and you may see the humidity level drop in your home.
Fix Leaks & Blown Windows
If you are starting to notice your windows fog up and a draft coming in, it might be time to consider fixing your windows, as they may be the source of your humidity. You can buy weather-proofing strips at any hardware store for a quick fix, or for the best solution, you can replace your windows and frames to ensure an air-tight seal.
Increase Air Circulation
One of the most effective ways to reduce humidity is to keep the air circulating in your home. Using box fans or ceiling fans can help circulate the humid air and keep your home cooler. As well, if it is a low humidity day outside, try opening a few windows to get a cross-breeze going in your space.
Operate Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are a great way to move air throughout your home and draw out humidity. In fact, AC units remove moisture while they cool the air and will keep your home nice and cool without a high humidity environment.
Add a Dehumidifier to Your HVAC System
For those who have done it all and are still fighting with a humid home, one of the best investments you can make is to add a dehumidifier to your HVAC system. These advanced dehumidifiers will draw water out of the air as your AC unit or furnace is running and can dramatically drop your humidity levels in a few hours. Unlike portable dehumidifiers, a whole-house dehumidifier will work in all rooms across the home and operates on a mass rather than a room-by-room approach.
Low Humidity
Low humidity, on the other hand, can feel dry and raspy, and whether it is the dead of winter or you are simply not getting much humidity in your home, low humidity can be equally as detrimental to your environment. But, just like high humidity, there are a few things you can do to help add humidity into your home with relative ease.
Add an HVAC Humidifier
A whole-system HVAC humidifier works by adding water to the air as it is circulated within the home. Our humidifiers are compatible with both AC units and furnaces, utilizing the existing ductwork to distribute moisture effectively. Unlike a portable humidifier, a whole-home approach will allow your whole home to get the benefits. Plus, with our advanced system, we can get the humidity levels rising in just a few hours.
Add Houseplants
Houseplants do more than just look great in your space, and in fact, they can help improve your air quality and increase humidity. Many tropical and subtropical house plans release moisture as part of transpiration, which can help raise the humidity levels in your space.
Simple Methods
There are a ton of little things you can also do, including boiling water on the stove, leaving the shower door open after showering, and even drying clothes in your home to help add humidity to your environment. Each will do a little to help, but they are not as effective as a whole system humidifier.
If you are looking to add humidity or remove humidity from your home in Toledo, Ohio, then it is about time that you called Fry. Our HVAC technicians can find the right solution for your home, providing you with the flexibility to create the ideal environment without requiring massive upgrades or system replacements.
