Home Inspector Tells Us What Humidity Busters To Use If You Don't Have An Air Conditioner
While humidity can be overlooked when checking the weather forecast, it can significantly impact our daily lives, especially during the hot summer months. High humidity levels can quickly turn comfortable living spaces into unpleasant environments. As the temperature rises, humidity levels can also increase, making it harder for our body's natural cooling mechanism — perspiration — to evaporate when the air is already saturated with moisture. Fortunately, there are ways to make your home more comfortable. House Digest spoke exclusively with Steve Cukierski, a knowledgeable home inspector and owner of The Art of Home Inspection, who shared valuable insights on regulating humidity levels.
Ultimately, the best way to mitigate that miserable humidity is to switch on your AC. "Removing moisture from the air is a core function of every air conditioning system," Cukierski explained. "As you run your AC, moisture in the air condenses inside the system and is drained away to the outside or to a plumbing drain."
While an air conditioner can provide much-needed relief, there are other ways to combat humidity if you don't have the luxury of central air, such as dehumidifiers and fans.
Managing indoor humidity without an air conditioner
Portable room dehumidifiers can be an excellent solution for keeping the indoor temperature comfortable, especially for those without air conditioning. These devices are compact, easy to find, and work by drawing in humid air, cooling it to remove moisture, and then releasing drier air back into the room. "Although they won't directly cool the air in your home, reducing the humidity will make the air feel more comfortable," Cukierski exclusively explained to House Digest.
Exhaust fans are also helpful in maintaining balanced humidity levels, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. They help to remove excess humidity and prevent it from infiltrating living spaces. Activities such as cooking and showering release a great deal of moisture into the air, making elevated humidity even worse if not properly ventilated. Cukierski recommends turning on exhaust fans during these activities to facilitate a more comfortable indoor environment. They can also help protect your home from potential issues like mold growth caused by excess moisture.