People in Middle Tennessee have heard this phrase hundreds of times:

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!”

There is a lot of truth to that phrase and low humidity is just as important inside your house as it is outside! The main way our bodies cool us down is through evaporation of moisture from our skin.  If the humidity is too high, even with your AC unit blasting, you may not be able to get cool enough. So, what should indoor humidity be?  The ideal humidity level inside your house is between 30% and 50%.  Any higher than that and you’ll be sweating!  Don’t worry though, there are some things you can do to help reduce humidity inside your home.

• Exhaust Fans – Most homes come with exhaust fans already installed.  Bathroom exhaust fans and vent fans for your stove can be key in keeping a low humidity level in your house.  These products are designed to remove the excess humidity that is created by showering, boiling water, and other activities that will create excess moisture in the air.  If your home isn’t equipped with these fans, installing them will help to seriously reduce your indoor humidity levels.
• Air Flow – Increasing the airflow within your home will help promote the evaporation of any moisture.  This is especially helpful for rooms that feel a little more stuffy than the rest of the house.  There is a reason you see so many ceiling fans all over the south!  The increased circulation of air will do wonders for reducing humidity and evenly distributing the cooler air from your air conditioner.
• Seal Leaks – Leaking seals around your windows and doors can make your home more humid!  Just as in winter when you can feel a cool breeze through a poorly sealed window, heat and humidity can come inside during the summer.  Take a little time and insure the proper seal around your doors and windows.  Most seals can be easily repaired or replaced with DIY products from a hardware store.  It’s also important to check around any vents or exhausts like dryer vents.
• Dehumidifier –  When humidity becomes a serious problem, a dehumidifier can be the answer.  The dehumidifier will remove excess humidity from the air in your home and will usually store the moisture in some kind of container.  These containers will have to be emptied on occasion, and you will be able to see how much water they remove from the atmosphere.  When the humidity is higher, it will have to be emptied more frequently. Water from a dehumidifier is perfect to use for watering your houseplants!
• HVAC Service and Maintenance – Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool your home, it also removes moisture from the air. Leaks in your HVAC ductwork or an AC unit will not only allow the humidity to creep higher in your home, it will also cost you more to cool your house. That’s why it’s a good idea to have Action Air Conditioning in Clarksville, TN do an inspection of your HVAC twice a year.

When humidity seeps into your home, it can make rooms feel stuffy and even smell musty. Beyond these superficial discomforts, too much humidity can result in serious consequences. An overly humid home can lose its structural integrity, attract pests like silverfish and centipedes, and even make you sick.  So make sure you consult with Action Air for the best air conditioning installation, service, and repair.   If you have any questions or need more help please contact Action Air by calling (931) 647-8525, or visiting our wesite https://actionairclarksville.com/   When you need action, call Action Air!