Sticky Is Icky: Addressing Humidity in Your Home

Sticky Is Icky: Addressing Humidity in Your Home

As a Florida resident, no doubt you’ve experienced the extreme discomfort of high humidity levels of upwards of 90 percent every time you step out of your home during our extended summer. Perspiration immediately starts, clothes start to stick, anything you touch wants to cling, your face reddens and a vacation with a wardrobe of tank tops to an Alaskan glacier feels mighty appealing. When those humidity levels start to affect the interior of your home, not only is it uncomfortable but your health and home are at risk.

The Cost of High Home Humidity

Humidity can be costly. Some homeowners may try to tackle humidity issues by lowering the thermostat (and consequently raising the electric bill), but the sticky feeling will remain, albeit a little cooler. With low humidity in the home, you can actually keep your thermostat higher and still feel cool? In addition, imagine the damage that excess home moisture can create! Rot, mold and warp can quickly and easily set up shop in humid homes in drywall, musical instruments, art collections, wood fixtures and furnishings around the home. Dust mites, pathogens and allergens take over and an overall musty smell can settle in. Finally, the health costs from exposure to mold spores can range from annoying to very serious. Symptoms may include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, throat irritation, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, wheezing and itchy, watery eyes.

Ideal Humidity Levels

In the summer which we as Floridians experience almost year round, ideal relative home humidity (amount of dampness in the air) should fall between 30 and 55 percent. You can measure the relative humidity levels with an indicator card that changes color based on humidity levels or a device from your local hardware supplier or online called a hygrometer. Simple hygrometers start for less than $10 and more elaborate devices run more than $100. Make sure you measure in several places in your home.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Home Humidity Levels

• Watch for and immediately repair water leaks in the home on the roof, around windows and doors, under sinks, around showers, ceilings, walls and behind toilets.
• Watch for fogginess or condensation on windows, peeling and flaking paint, mold and mildew growth and stains on walls and ceilings as a sign of elevated humidity levels.
• Watch for wet spots, mold and rotting wood.
• Run ceiling fans to circulate drying air around the home.
• Ventilate! Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom when showering and cooking to reduce the humidity that these two activities produce.
• It should go without saying, but keep windows closed when humidity levels outside are higher than the ideal.
• Air conditioners can help keep humidity levels in check, but you may need some help from a programmable whole-house dehumidifier that runs independently from your air conditioner especially with the challenges that Florida presents.
• Consider a programmable thermostat with accurate moisture controls.
• Weatherize cracks inside and outside around your windows and doors to keep sticky air out.
• Insulate attics and walls without covering roof vents and keep those vents clear and configured to allow what’s called attic wind.
• Connect your laundry machines to outside vents that remain clear.
• Keep your air conditioning drip pans and drain lines clear and in working order.
• Warm air holds more moisture so keep your home reasonably cool.
• Keep water from downspouts and gutters moving away from your foundation.
• Consider that carpets may retain moisture (and dust mites).
• Inspect your roof and quickly repair leaks.
• Cover crawl spaces with a solid vapor barrier to protect against moisture from the ground.

The above list is by no means comprehensive. Some home moisture issues, particularly where the source is hidden, can be infinitely more complex and require experienced, professional assistance.

Stability, Strength, Service

Olympus Insurance Company is revolutionizing the Florida homeowners’ insurance market. With quality homeowner insurance products, financial strength and superior service, you can be confident that Olympus is here to stay. Our uniquely disciplined organic growth strategy differentiates us from many other Florida insurers. The emphasis on steady, conservative expansion continually strengthens our financial position and enables Olympus to provide the finest possible service to Florida property owners. Agent or homeowner, inland or coastal, doing business with Olympus always means peace of mind.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form a part of, replace, change or amend any terms, conditions, provisions or language within your Olympus Insurance policy. We encourage you to read your entire policy.