Memorial Day marks the beginning of hot days by the pool, deck, surf, and sand. These are the days of easy flip flops, shorts, sporty sunglasses, hot days, and breezy nights on your deck with a smooth cigar and cold glass of scotch. Though this season is so enjoyable, it does bring some extreme weather that can put your home under some stress. Unfortunately, Virginian summers are famous for their high humidity levels. If you haven’t protected your home from excessive outdoor moisture levels, then you may have a muggy feeling in your home. What steps can you take to get rid of that humid feeling in your home?
Why Does My House Feel Humid?
There can be a variety of reasons why your home’s interior feels excessively muggy. Whatever the cause, feeling that constant level of moisture can make a cool interior uncomfortable. Constant moisture can also lead to mold problems and allergy issues. These are definitely things you want to avoid in your own home! Here are some ways you can troubleshoot this problem and nip it at the bud.
Where To Look First: Your Windows
One of the basic fixes to this problem is to simply check if you accidentally left some windows open. Spring in Virginia is often crisp with low humidity, so we fling open our windows to let in that fresh-smelling air. However, as summer heats up, some of these windows may not have been shut completely or correctly. It’s fairly common to find that the cause of a muggy home is simply due to windows that were accidentally left open, letting in humid air over time. If that’s the case, then shut and LOCK your windows. Voila! You’ve spent $0 to resolve the issue. If your windows are fully shut but your home still feels humid, you’ll want to check for window drafts. It can’t hurt to check your doors too. Old windows aren’t as energy-efficient as new windows. This means that humid air from the outside can seep in and contribute to that muggy feeling. It’s basically like having your windows cracked open all the time, which means that they’ll need to be repaired or replaced. If you need repairs, some simple caulking might suffice. However, if your windows are beyond repair, you should get new ones. What windows should you install? Provia windows are an excellent choice for their high value to performance ratio. Ask us more about them today!
Another Cause: An AC Going Bad
If your windows aren’t the problem, then it’s likely that you might have an Air conditioner problem. Air conditioners contain compressors which dehumidify air from the outside before blowing it through your vents. When your compressors get dirty or go bad, then they can stop dehumidifying your home. If you get us to inspect your windows and we find that they’re not letting in a draft, then you’ll need to contact your trusted HVAC specialist and get your AC serviced. Usually fixing the AC is enough to get your home feeling comfortable if the windows aren’t a problem. If it’s just your compressors that are the issue, the problems shouldn’t be that expensive to fix.
A Temporary/Small Space Solution: A Portable Dehumidifier
Let’s say you don’t have time to install new windows or fix your ac just yet. This doesn’t mean you have to live in the discomfort and health risks a humid home poses. Using a basic dehumidifier from any home improvement store can temporarily solve the problem, (though it won’t eliminate its source). These contraptions are better for smaller homes, single rooms, or basements. Note:This will save you money over buying new windows or installing a full-fledged dehumidifying system, but it’s often just a bandaid over a lurking moisture issue. It’s still good to have on hand, however, to prevent mold from growing in your home.
If All Else Fails: Install A Dehumidifying System
If your home is large, it will need more than a portable dehumidifier. You’ll need to contact your local HVAC specialist to install one of these to properly take the moisture out of your home. These mammoth systems give extra compressor power to support your AC in dehumidifying your home. That’s why these are suited for larger homes that regular AC systems usually can’t fully dehumidify. Note: you should proceed to this step after other sources of humidity have been ruled out. Fixing your windows or air conditioner system is more affordable than installing a complex dehumidifying system. However, if your home needs this extra support, it’s well worth the investment.
Window Repair & Installation in Northern Virginia
Getting the right product is half the battle. Installing it correctly the first time will save you a world of worry, wasted money, and time. Noble Roofing is the expert you can turn to for residential roofing and storm damage services. For more than two decades, we’ve developed a reputation for sheer quality and dependability. We serve Centreville, VA, and other nearby areas. Give us a call today at (703) 429-0840 and experience our top-notch service for yourself.
