People in South Louisiana are no strangers to humidity. Five minutes outside then your entire body is drenched with sweat and your hair is a foot tall from frizz. However, outdoor humidity is not the only concern. Humidity inside the home could become a major problem if not dealt with correctly. Indoor humidity could wreak havoc on your home and possessions as well as possibly cause health issues. A few of these health issues associated with poor indoor air quality/high indoor humidity include, headaches, concentration problems, muscle and joint issues, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue.

How to tell if your home has excessive humidity?

Other than the health issues listed above, there are a few visible signs of humidity in your home to look for. Constant condensation on the windows, water stains on the ceiling or on the walls, musty odors, or excessive or sudden rot on wood are all signs. If any of these appear in your house, test your home’s humidity levels immediately. The recommended range is 30%-50%.

What causes high indoor humidity?

Several things can contribute to high indoor humidity; however, there are a few common offenders:

• Taking long, hot showers and not turning on the vent
• Drying your clothes inside (not in a dryer)
• Boiling water or cooking without turning on the kitchen vent
• Poor ventilation throughout your home
• Home renovations for an extended period of time

How to remedy high indoor humidity?

If your home is riddled with excessive humidity, there are a number of ways to lower it. Make sure to switch exhaust vents on in the bathroom while taking a shower or cooking in the kitchen. Speaking of showers, shorter, cooler showers could also help lower humidity. Dry your clothes in a dryer or dry them outside. Be sure to fix all indoor leaks. Improve poor ventilation by keeping fans spinning and opening windows as often as possible. This is probably the cheapest, quickest way to rid your home of excessive humidity. You can also place calcium chloride products in areas that may experience more moisture than others. However, if you want to rid your house of moisture and keep it out, your best chance is to invest in a dehumidifier.

The experts at River City Total Maintenance are here to help! Our team can perform a comprehensive indoor air quality analysis on your home as well as make expert recommendations, including purchasing a dehumidifier. If you live in the Greater New Orleans area, contact us to learn how River City’s Total Maintenance can help you and your family!