In addition, striking theoptimal humidity level in your homecan make it more comfortable.
Musty odors:While not guaranteed, homes with higher humidity levels often have an unpleasant, musty odor.
Dust mites:Dust miteslove high humidity and will multiply in this environment.
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Once dust mites establish themselves in your home, they will attract other pests like spiders and insects.
Potential Sources of Excess Humidity
There are many different potential sources of humidity in your home.
Some of these sources are preventable, while others are essential parts of your daily life.
Showering and bathing in hot water produces humidity.
So much so, that the mirror is usually steamy afterward.
Cooking:Heat and moisture create excess humidity every time you cook.
Plants:Houseplantsrelease humidity into the air as they utilize the water in the soil.
Humidifiers.While this one goes without saying,running a humidifierwill create a humid environment.
Gas heaters:Somegas heaterscan release humidity into the air while running.
If you suspect your home is more humid than it should be, buy an inexpensive hygrometer.
However, dehumidifiers will raise your utility bill and can create excess heat in your home.
Plus, while a dehumidifier lowers the humidity, it doesn’t tackle the root of the problem.
Fix leaks:Even if aleaky pipeisn’t causing structural damage, the water can raise your humidity levels.
Hang up a clothesline:Some laundry items can’t be dried in the dryer.
Sometimes the passive vents just aren’t enough.
Plus, you may be surprised to find gorgeous flooring beneath your carpet.
Open interior doors:Sometimes, privacy trumps the battle against humidity.
