High humidity can make your home uncomfortable, but did you know it’s also bad for you and your home? Humidity levels should hover around 45%, but many homes have much more than that.
Over 50% is too high.
It can lead to some nasty issues, such as mold and mildew growth, insect infestations, and extensive home repairs. When your home’s humidity level exceeds 50%, it’s being pushed into the mold-growing range of relative humidity. Molds reproduce by tiny spores. These spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Molds can start growing when spores land on surfaces that are moderate and moist. Not only can mold and mildew destroy whatever they’re growing on, but they can also pollute your home’s air, and aggravate colds, dust sensitivities, and other illnesses. Some insect infestations are related to the presence of mold and mildew. Others are related to the presence of high humidity alone. Insects find comfort in environments with high humidity. These insects don’t drink water, but they absorb moisture from the air. Bugs thrive in environments with high humidity, but they are reduced when the relative humidity is below 50%. Usually, insect infestations are close to water leaks or some other moisture problem within your home. When indoor humidity is too high, the buildup of moisture in your walls and ceilings can cause structural destruction that can be aggravated due to riding, warping, and corrosion. Other problems include peeling wall paint, crumbling drywall, wet insulation, and leaking roofs. Now that you know why high humidity in your home is poor, you can deal with it. You may have a serious problem involving your air conditioning that will require the assistance of an HVAC professional. They can test for excessive humidity levels, and may advise a dehumidifier.