What Can High Humidity Mean For Your Energy Costs?

High humidity levels in the home can cause discomfort for everyone and even impact your energy costs. It can even have an impact on you and your family's health. Therefore, it is important to take measures to control the indoor humidity. If you are having problems with indoor humidity, here is what you need to know.  

What Problems Are Caused by High Humidity?

When the humidity levels are high in your home, it can cause the air to seem muggy. To combat this, most people will turn on their air conditioner systems. Although this is an effective means of lowering humidity levels, it could mean your energy costs increase. As the system works to remove the humidity, it can run longer than usual, which results in higher utility bills and increased wear and tear on the system.  

High humidity levels also encourage the growth of harmful fungus that can lead to respiratory problems. The development of mold also means that spores can be pushed into the air and lead to allergic reactions. If someone in your home has a breathing disorder, such as bronchitis or asthma, this could be particularly damaging to their health.  

What Can You Do?

Humidity levels tends to be highest during the warmer months. Therefore, your dehumidification efforts are likely needed at those times of the year. There are a few things you can do, but taking care of your air conditioner system should be your top priority.  

You can start the warmer months off by ensuring your system is operating as efficiently possible. An HVAC technician can ensure that the system is the right size for your home and check the ductwork for installation issues. The wrong size system could cycle on and off too much or work overtime to cool your home. The result would be higher energy costs.  

In addition to caring for your air conditioner system, you should consider installing a whole house dehumidifier. In areas where humidity is likely to be highest, such as your bathroom or laundry room, install exhaust fans that can be used to remove the moisture from the air.  

If you do not have a water barrier installed beneath your home, now is the time to get one. The barrier will prevent water from building up under your flooring and creating moisture in the home.  

Consult with your HVAC technician to find other ways to lower humidity in your home.