Humidity in our homes is something we all want to avoid. It can wreak havoc, causing mold, mildew, bubbling paint, wallpaper peeling, condensation on windows and air ducts. However, humidity isn’t just a nuisance. It can also cause health issues such as allergies and asthma. Overall, the ventilation in your home plays a key role.
Do dirty airducts contribute to higher levels of humidity?
In short, yes. Indoor humidity increases when the ventilation system is not running efficiently. Air ducts can harbor allergens, dirt and debris especially when they are nor clean. There are several factors that contribute to this.
One of the biggest factors that produce humidity is that the air doesn’t circulate as it should. Anything from drying laundry to leaks can give off the moisture that leads to humidity. Condensation can also collect in your air ducts because of the temperature difference between the outside air and the vent.
If you’re interested in learning about what causes humidity to rise in your house and ways to prevent it, then you’re in the right place. We’ve put together this informative guide to answer any questions you might have.
What Leads to High Humidity in A Home?
This might surprise you, but even a newer home with good insulation can lead to humidity issues. Humidity levels rise when moisture gets into your house and can’t escape. Windows and doors that are sealed may increase humidity levels significantly.
A few other things that can lead to high humidity include:
● Everyday activities – This may surprise you, but many of your daily activities may increase the moisture in your home. Things like cooking, washing dishes, doing laundry, or even taking a shower can cause humidity levels to build up.
● Leaks – moisture could also be coming into your home through leaks. This includes cracks in walls in or around your home, a leaky sink or bathroom faucet, a toilet that continuously runs, leaky pipes, etc. To rectify this issue, you’ll need to inspect your home for leaks and then have them repaired.
● Dirty air filters – Normally, ductwork removes moisture from the air before entering your home, but if they have a build-up of dirt, they won’t work as they should, allowing moisture to seep into your house. To prevent this you should replace the filters once every three months or follow the recommendations on the air filter you purchase; if you own pets or if someone in your house has a dust allergy, you need to clean them more frequently.
● Blocked ducts – Physical objects inside your ducts are the most common cause of blocked ducts. Dust, dirt, pieces of old air filters, ductwork insulation, or even debris from construction can lead to blockages. Vermin or insects can also get into your ducts and leave behind waste. To prevent this, you should have your air ducts inspected and cleaned at least every two years.
● Closed zone dampers – HVAC systems use dampers in the ductwork to control airflow into your home. You should be able to access these easy to make sure they are open. Sometimes dampers may become stuck closed or become loose. This could affect the entire airflow of your house. Also, check for any dust or debris that could be hindering the amount of air flowing in.
Indications of High Humidity in Your Home
An indoor humidity level is too high when it’s above 50%. With this in mind, here are some common symptoms of high humidity levels in your house.
● Moist or clammy air – one of the most noticeable signs of excess humidity is if your home feels sticky or clammy.
● Windows or doors that stick or fog up – humidity is evaporated water, and when it’s trapped in your house, it’ll cause your windows to fog up. It can also cause your door and window frames to swell, causing them to stick or become difficult to open. If you live in an area with high humidity levels, you’ve probably noticed this in the summer.
● Mildew smell – if you smell a musty odor, there’s a good chance you have mildew in your home.
● Visible mold – If you see mold in your home, you have excess humidity. Excess humidity is partial to rooms such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room which can quickly lead to a problem if not taken care of.
● Condensation in air ducts – if you have excess humidity in your home, the moisture will settle in your air ducts, causing condensation.
Tips For Lowering Your Home’s Humidity
Since a higher indoor humidity level can cause damage to your home and AC duct sweat, you should keep it low. Below are a few different ways to avoid the stuffy, damp air in the house.
● Adequate ventilation – make sure that you run the fans in your kitchen and bathroom where there’s a lot of water and heat generated.
● Seal drafts and gaps – Leaks and cracks in your home allow moisture to come into your home and increase humidity.
● Fix plumbing leaks – Plumbing leaks can wreak havoc on every aspect of your home, from raising the humidity to damaging your foundation, and they need to be repaired as soon as you notice them.
● Have your air duct cleaned – Every few years, you need to have your ductwork inspected and cleaned. Over time dirt and debris collect in them, not allowing the air to flow as intended.
Summary
An HVAC system that is working correctly helps keep your home’s humidity level at its optimal level. If you’ve noticed any dampness or condensation in your home, check for plumbing leaks or cracks, then have your air ducts cleaned and inspected by a professional. Dryer vent cleaning is also a must for obvious reasons.
Unique Air Duct Cleaning in Livonia provides the highest quality air duct cleaning services so that restricted air flow won’t be an issue in your home. Our Viper Air Whip Cleaning System puts us a step above the competition with its flexible design that is able to reach all contaminants in any air duct angle with the power to dislodge and air wash and remove these materials thoroughly and efficiently.
Having clean air ducts will help with the humidity in your home and homes throughout the Detroit metro area have been experiencing the difference for more than 25 years. Isn’t it time for you do too? Call for a Free Estimate today!