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Writer's pictureVirginia Air

VIRGINIA SUMMER HUMIDITY AND YOUR HVAC


Living in Virginia, the summers tend to be high in humidity. Did you know that ideal humidity levels fluctuate from room to room and season to season? Higher humidity and moisture levels can be an extreme threat to your property, including the structure, surfaces, and condition as well as to your health. These conditions can contribute to growing mold and other growth, which is why it’s important to tackle excess humidity indoors quickly.


Energy Star states that ideal indoor humidity levels are between 30 and 50%. Managing the humidity levels inside your home will improve your personal comfort and also improve the air quality in your home. Did you know that humidity levels fluctuate from room to room? According to several studies, a bedroom requires about 50% relative humidity year-round, to help reduce dust mites and allergens.


Make sure that your AC unit and climate control system is the correct size for your home. If it’s too large, it can reach the set temperature too quickly not allowing the system to run long enough to remove the humidity but a system too small may not be able to keep up. This is one of the many reasons to have your system(s) checked, tested and maintained. If you have noticed a change in your air quality, give Virginia Air Heating & Cooling a call and have one of our trained technicians out to check and ensure your ac is working to specifications. We can also check if there are any other outside sources that maybe contributing to the change in your air quality and we can discuss your comfort needs to ensure your system is meeting the level of comfort you require.


Here are some helpful tips to keep your house comfortable.


Air Conditioning Systems:

Air Conditioning units don’t just cool down the air inside a home. They also remove moisture and humidity. This is a method of dehumidifying but is only as effective as your AC filters. The more often the blower or system runs, the more dirty dirtier the air filters become which slows down and eventually prevents the flow of air enabling humidity to build up or cause a breakdown. Replacing throw-away filters or cleaning air cleaner pre-filters and cartridges monthly will not only help the efficiency and longevity of your system but also reduce the amount of humidity in your home and breakdowns of your system. Fuel burning furnaces have a similar effect as well so be sure that you have them checked and maintained. You do want to make sure the unit you have installed is the appropriate size to meet the demands of your comfort level and size of your home.


Simple Settings

Set the Fan on your thermostat to “ON” instead of “AUTO.” Just remember your air filters will need checked, if not changed or cleaned, every 2-3 weeks with the Fan setting to “ON.” Also, be sure to use the exhaust fan in your bathrooms when you’re showering, and keep the door open if you can.


Dehumidifiers:

Portable dehumidifiers are placed in basements most of the time, but you can get large-scale ones called whole-house dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air but must remain away from walls and objects to allow for proper air flow.


Exhaust Fans

Pay special attention to the rooms in your home that have more natural moisture such as your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. Make sure to run exhaust fans to pull moist air from inside when cooking or showering, especially in the summer. Have your dryer vent checked and cleaned to prevent any fire hazards, cause your dryer to condense water or not dry your clothing completely.


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