Humidity refers to how much moisture is in the air. Excessive indoor humidity levels in your Brunswick, GA, home could have a negative impact on your comfort and indoor air quality. Excessive humidity also affects your health and the safety of your home. Consider these three signs that you should invest in a dehumidifier.
Visible Mildew Growth
Mildew thrives in warm, humid environments. All it needs is a surface and plenty of moisture to grow. If you start noticing white or yellow spots on your walls, floors, fabrics or furniture, your home’s humidity is too high. Mildew also releases a musty odor, and you may smell the mildew before you see it.
Increased Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
Many people are allergic to mildew. When your home’s humidity level is high, mildew rapidly grows. As it grows, it releases spores into the air. While your air conditioner’s filter will capture some spores, there may be so many spores that it can’t keep up. When you breathe mildew spores, your immune system may react. Common mildew allergy symptoms include itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, sinus pain, headaches and irritation of the nose, throat and skin. If anyone in your home has asthma, mildew spores may cause them to have flares or worse breathing.
Rotting Wood
High indoor humidity levels could damage your home’s structure and fixtures, explains Energy Star. You may initially notice rotting wood around areas that get a lot of condensation, such as window frames. If the excessive humidity persists, your home’s wood floors, drywall and doors could get spongy and start to rot. The joists, support beams and framing of your home could also rot, putting its structural integrity at risk.
To learn more about high indoor humidity and the dehumidifiers we offer, take a look at The A/C Guys’ indoor air quality services or call us today for more tips.
