8 Crazy Ways Humidity Could Get You Fired for Never Leaving Your House

Ok, not really.  We were exaggerating a bit there.  But who doesn’t feel like staying indoors when it’s hard to breathe outside?  Living in one of the most humid cities in the country can be somewhat of a challenge when trying to stay comfortable, even in your own home!  While running your air conditioner remains one of the best ways to remove humidity from your home, it can come with a high utility bill attached.  No one enjoys paying higher energy bills to maintain a comfortable home.  But allowing too much moisture to build up indoors can cause your home to rot.  A wet house also attracts more bugs and pests as they look for water and find it in the moisture in your home.

High levels of humidity can also lead to increased allergic reactions and irritate respiratory ailments.  Because, as allergist Dr. Michael Ruff notes, “Humidity promotes mold and dust mite population growth (and) both are significant indoor allergens and can set off allergic sensitivity and can trigger rhinitis and asthma.”

A drier, safer and more comfortable home is possible, even in Houston during the hottest month of the year.  We’ve put together a list we think you will find helpful to control the level of humidity in your home.

Do This:

• Take care to ventilate rooms in your home that create moisture.  Always run the exhaust fan in the bathroom and kitchen or open a nearby window for a short time.
• Be strategic with the floor coverings and furniture in your home.  Textiles and carpet attract dust mites and absorb moisture.  Install hard floor coverings instead.
• Ensure your air conditioner is sized properly and will effectively remove moisture from your home.  Contact a licensed HVAC professional to inspect your system.
• Watch for leaks in your pipes, faucets, walls or the roof. Repair leakages immediately to avoid extensive damage and mold.

Not This:

• Try not to use heat-producing appliances when outdoor humidity is high.  Plan chores like running the dryer in the evening or when humidity is low.
• Don’t keep many houseplants inside your home.  Multiple plants and even exposed soils contribute to the moisture in your air.
• Don’t hang clothing to dry in your home.  You can save energy and lower indoor humidity by installing an outdoor clothesline.
• Avoid taking longer showers and baths than necessary and always run the exhaust fan.

http://www.weather.com/activities/health/allergies/mold/control_humidity.html