If you live in central Maryland, you know a little something about the humidity in the summer.  And during the hot Maryland area summers, that humidity often makes it into our homes.  The levels of relative humidity in the air can affect the comfort of your home, as well as the proper functioning of your air conditioning units.  While we can’t control the weather outside, a well-functioning dehumidifier can help make your home a comfortable place to be.

When trapped indoors, high-moisture air can create conditions that are prime for mold growth, particularly in a structure built with gypsum wallboards, vinyl wall coverings, and wooden window casings. And as you probably know, mold can not only do a real number on the structural safety and value of your home but also can significantly affect your and your family’s health.

People with allergies, asthma, immune suppression, or underlying lung disease are susceptible to fungal infections caused by mold exposure. That exposure can boost the risk of respiratory illness even in otherwise healthy children. And though a firm cause-and-effect link has not yet been scientifically proven, many pediatricians suspect mold exposure may contribute to acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage.

How to Keep Humidity At Bay in Your Home

Fortunately, there is something you can do to help keep humidity at bay and prevent mold growth in your home. All you need is an efficient air conditioning system and review these tips for using your AC system to reduce indoor humidity:

Leave your thermostat fan setting on the auto position.

This allows for your AC system to run the fan only when necessary to keep your home’s indoor air at the temperature you choose and allows for condensation that collects on the evaporator coil to drain out of the unit as intended. Leaving your thermostat fan setting in the on position instead causes that condensation to be blown back into circulation, allowing for persistent humidity.

Change your AC filter at least once a month.

AC filters are designed to capture and contain tiny particles of dirt, dust, pet dander, and debris that can otherwise float around your home, decreasing your indoor air quality. But when a filter is clogged, it can instead trap moisture inside the air conditioning ducts, leading to the cultivation of mold and other harmful airborne bacteria.

Get your AC system serviced at least once a year.

Annual air conditioning maintenance allows technicians to spot potential problems that can cause high humidity and other troubles early on – before they lead to health issues and costly repairs.

Install a whole-house dehumidifier.

Use your AC in conjunction with a whole-house dehumidifier to significantly reduce the amount of moisture in your home’s air.

Install a new, more efficient AC system.

If you’re building a new home or in the market for a replacement AC system, understand that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Instead, let a trained technician help you choose a system that’s properly sized for your home to more effectively remove and control indoor air moisture.

Managing indoor humidity should be a priority for every homeowner!  GAC Services are the indoor air quality experts and can help you determine what is best for your needs.

Contact GAC Services online to schedule an air conditioning tune-up today to stay comfortable this summer, call {{dc:acf:option_field field=”contact_info_callrail_text”}} or visit us online to schedule an appointment.