Why High Humidity Matters for Your Home

Humidity is High in Chicago! Here’s How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Summer in the Chicago suburbs can be beautiful, but anyone who's experienced a Midwestern summer knows just how uncomfortable the high humidity can get. Sticky skin, muggy air, and the relentless dampness inside your home can quickly become unbearable. But discomfort isn't the only issue—high indoor humidity levels can lead to serious problems like mold growth, poor indoor air quality (IAQ), and damage to your home furnishings.

Here's everything you need to know about managing high humidity in your home and improving your indoor air quality.

High humidity isn't just uncomfortable—it can also negatively affect your health, home, and belongings. When humidity levels rise above 50-60%, your home becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites, which thrive in moist conditions.

Common Problems from High Humidity:

• Discomfort: High humidity makes the air feel hotter and stickier, reducing comfort and making it hard to relax or sleep well.
• Mold and Mildew Growth: Excess moisture encourages mold and mildew to grow, posing health risks and damaging surfaces in your home.
• Dust Mites: These tiny creatures flourish in humid environments, aggravating allergies and asthma.
• Damage to Home Furnishings: Wooden furniture, floors, and even electronics can be damaged by prolonged exposure to excessive moisture.

Beyond visible issues, high humidity also contributes to an overall decline in indoor air quality, potentially leading to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and general discomfort.

How Your Air Conditioning Can Help Control Humidity

One of the best tools for combating humidity in the Chicago suburbs is a properly sized and maintained air conditioning (AC) system. An AC unit doesn't just cool your home—it also helps remove excess moisture from the air.

Benefits of a Properly Sized AC Unit:

• Effective Dehumidification: Correctly sized AC units run long enough to remove moisture effectively without overcooling your home.
• Improved Comfort: Maintaining optimal humidity levels helps your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
• Energy Efficiency: Proper sizing prevents frequent cycling, saving you money on energy bills.

Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial. Dirty filters and coils significantly reduce your AC unit's ability to remove moisture, lowering indoor air quality. Ensure you schedule routine maintenance, especially before the humid Chicago summer kicks into high gear.

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Whole-Home Dehumidifiers: Your Best Ally Against High Humidity

While air conditioners help, they might not always be enough—especially during Chicago's most humid months. That's where a whole-home dehumidifier comes in.

How Whole-Home Dehumidifiers Work:

A whole-home dehumidifier integrates directly with your existing HVAC system, extracting moisture from the air as it circulates through your home’s ductwork. It collects the moisture and drains it safely away, maintaining balanced humidity levels throughout your entire house.

Advantages Over Portable Dehumidifiers:

• Better Coverage: Whole-home systems evenly dehumidify every room in your home.
• Less Maintenance: Unlike portable units, whole-home dehumidifiers don't require frequent emptying of water reservoirs.
• Energy Efficiency: They work seamlessly with your HVAC system, using less energy than multiple portable units.
• Quieter Operation: Being installed away from living spaces, they operate quietly without disturbing your daily activities.

Practical Tips to Manage Indoor Humidity

Besides installing HVAC solutions, homeowners can follow these practical tips to further manage humidity and boost indoor air quality:

• Use Exhaust Fans: Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms generate lots of moisture. Running exhaust fans during and after activities like showering and cooking can significantly reduce humidity.
• Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels: Invest in an inexpensive humidity monitor to track indoor conditions. Aim for levels between 30-50%.
• Seal Leaks and Improve Ventilation: Check for plumbing leaks and ensure adequate ventilation in attics and crawlspaces to prevent moisture buildup.
• Regular HVAC Maintenance: Routine checks and cleanings of your HVAC system enhance its efficiency and humidity control capabilities.
• Utilize Houseplants Wisely: Some houseplants naturally absorb moisture, such as Boston Ferns and Peace Lilies, helping control indoor humidity.

• Keep Doors and Windows Closed: On particularly humid days, keep your home's doors and windows closed to avoid letting extra moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ideal indoor humidity level?

The ideal indoor humidity level is generally between 30% and 50%. Anything higher encourages mold growth, dust mites, and discomfort.

How can I tell if my home is too humid?

Signs include condensation on windows, musty odors, visible mold or mildew, and persistent discomfort or stickiness.

Can a dehumidifier help with allergies?

Yes. Dehumidifiers reduce moisture, making your home less hospitable for dust mites and mold, common allergens.

Should I run my dehumidifier all the time?

Whole-home dehumidifiers automatically run as needed, maintaining optimal humidity. Portable units should run as long as humidity levels exceed 50%.

Do I still need a dehumidifier if I have air conditioning?

Yes. While AC units help remove humidity, they may not be sufficient during extremely humid conditions, making whole-home dehumidifiers an excellent complementary solution.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality Today!

High humidity in the Chicago suburbs is more than just an inconvenience—it impacts your comfort, health, and home. Thankfully, with the right HVAC solutions and proper maintenance, you can take control.

Always Ready Repair is here to help you achieve the ideal indoor environment. Whether you're considering a whole-home dehumidifier, need HVAC maintenance, or want an expert assessment of your indoor air quality, our friendly and experienced team is ready to assist.

Don't let humidity spoil your summer comfort. Contact Always Ready Repair today for HVAC solutions designed specifically for homeowners in the Chicago suburbs!

Additional Resources

• EPA Guide to Indoor Air Quality
• CDC Recommendations for Controlling Indoor Humidity
• ASHRAE Guidelines for Residential Indoor Humidity

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