Excess Moisture and How It Hurts Your Home
December 01, 2017
TL;DR: High humidity in winter can damage your health, home structure, and electronics. A whole-house dehumidifier installation maintains optimal moisture levels (30-50%), prevents mold growth, and reduces energy costs.
Does Winter Heating Cause High Humidity in Homes?
Yes, winter heating can increase indoor humidity to harmful levels. When you set your thermostat high during cold months, the warm air holds more moisture, potentially raising humidity above the recommended 30-50% range. While humidity doesn't directly change temperature, excess moisture creates serious problems for your home and health.
What Damage Does High Humidity Cause in Your Home?
High humidity above 50-60% causes measurable damage to health, property, and home systems. Here's what happens when moisture levels exceed normal ranges:
Health Complications from Excess Moisture
High humidity disrupts your body's natural cooling system by preventing sweat evaporation. This creates respiratory problems, triggers asthma symptoms, and worsens breathing difficulties even in healthy family members.
Mold Growth and Pest Infestations
Environments above 60% humidity create ideal breeding conditions for mold spores and insects. Mold colonies form on walls and ceilings within 24-48 hours of excess moisture exposure. Dust mites, bed bugs, and other pests thrive in warm, moist conditions.
Electronic Equipment Failure
Moisture causes electrical contact corrosion and reduces insulation resistance in electronic devices. Condensation leads to short circuits and permanent damage to home electronics and appliances.
Structural Wood Deterioration
Wood absorbs moisture and expands, causing warping and surface deformation. Decay fungi activate at humidity levels above 60%, accelerating wood deterioration in structural components, floors, and furniture.
How Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Solve Humidity Problems?
A professionally installed whole-house dehumidifier integrates with your existing HVAC system to maintain optimal humidity levels throughout your home. This system automatically removes excess moisture before it causes damage.
Benefits of Professional Dehumidifier Installation
Whole-house dehumidifiers reduce energy consumption by allowing your air conditioner to work more efficiently. When humidity stays within the 30-50% range, your home feels comfortable at higher thermostat settings, lowering heating and cooling costs by 10-15%.
These systems improve indoor air quality by eliminating conditions that support mold growth and pest reproduction. They also extend HVAC system lifespan by reducing moisture-related wear on components.
When Should You Install a Dehumidifier?
Install a whole-house dehumidifier if you notice condensation on windows, musty odors, visible mold spots, or consistently high humidity readings above 60%. Winter months with heavy heating use are when most homes experience these humidity-related problems.
Contact Airview A/C for professional dehumidifier installation and humidity assessment. Our certified technicians will evaluate your home's moisture levels and recommend the right dehumidification solution for your HVAC system.
Key Takeaways: Maintain home humidity between 30-50% to prevent health issues, structural damage, and mold growth. Whole-house dehumidifiers integrated with HVAC systems provide automatic, energy-efficient moisture control year-round.