Living in a home that’s too humid or dry can make you feel like the frog that got kissed by the princess – uncomfortable and just plain icky! But never fear, getting the right balance of moisture in your castle is easier than convincing a princess to kiss amphibians. The secret lies in knowing whether your home needs a humidifier or a dehumidifier.
What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked! A humidifier adds moisture to dry air, which is great for winter months when the outside air becomes as arid as a desert, leaving your skin dry and cracked. Fun fact, low humidity in your home is a primary cause of static electricity buildup, so consider a humidifier if you’re getting zapped by your carpet or couch!
A dehumidifier does the opposite – it removes excess moisture from muggy indoor air. You’ll want one during hot, sweaty summer weather or in naturally damp basements and crawlspaces to prevent mold from growing like kudzu vines all over your walls.
Clues Your Home Needs a Humidifier
Dry skin, cracked lips, bloody noses, and static shocks are telltale signs your home’s air is too dry and needs a humidifier. As moisture decreases, wood furniture and floors will also shrink, warp, and squeak, with gaps forming between hardwood boards.
Houseplants may brown and require more frequent watering. Indoor relative humidity consistently below 40% contributes to these issues. The ideal humidity level in the home is right around 50%, so if you notice symptoms of dry air then you may want to consider introducing a humidifier to restore comfort and protect your home.
Signs a Dehumidifier is a Solution
If you notice condensation or dripping on your windows and other surfaces, wet spots on walls and ceilings, musty odors, or consistent relative humidity over 60%, it could be a sign of excess humidity. Basements or crawlspaces with a damp feel and moldy smell also require dehumidification. Bathrooms with mold growth in corners or on ceilings are likely to have excessive moisture. If the indoor air feels muggy and sticky, it’s a clear indication that the humidity is too high. If you observe several of these symptoms, you need a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture and prevent deteriorating indoor air quality, mold issues, and potential structural damage.
Check Your Home’s Humidity
Use inexpensive hygrometers to monitor relative humidity levels in different rooms on all floors. This will reveal your home’s overall moisture distribution.
Types of Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Portable humidifiers and dehumidifiers allow room-by-room control. Whole-house units connect to HVAC systems for comprehensive humidity management. An HVAC technician can recommend the best solution.
If problems in your home persist despite your best efforts to raise or lower your humidity, contact AAA-1 Heating & Cooling. Our service techs can evaluate issues and provide solutions guaranteed to get your home’s humidity under control!