Humidity can pose a significant threat to your home. Not only can the presence of moist, warm air stifle your comfort, but it can also leave the structure vulnerable to mold and damage. While an HVAC contractor can install a quality dehumidifier to protect your home, you should recognize the following signs of increased humidity.

Does Your Home Have Too Much Humidity?

1. Water Damage

Homes are made with strong components, but materials like drywall and roofing systems are nonetheless vulnerable to water damage. When there’s excessive moisture inside your home, the risk of this increases dramatically.

Among the most vulnerable areas for high humidity levels are the attic and the basement, but any area exposed to high humidity is at risk. You might discover water marks on the walls or ceilings or spot stains that appear yellow or brown.

2. Mold Formation

Mold takes only a day to 48 hours to develop in a moist environment. The spores thrive in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, crawl spaces, wet basements, or any area where a flood or leak is present. HVAC contractors may also discover mold in dryer vents.

You may not notice them right away, but eventually the spots grow in number and create unsightly black and blue marks in the affected areas. Mold can be difficult to contain and may cause allergic symptoms similar to hay fever.

3. Wood Deterioration

Humidity can also have an adverse effect on wood structures, including furnishings and flooring. That’s because the material absorbs moisture, which ultimately causes it to deteriorate. Gaps and cracks develop, and that can cause delicate floorboards to warp and furniture legs to bend and lose their integrity.

4. Unusual Warmth

You expect your AC unit to produce consistent, cool air throughout the warmest months. If the air feels warm and sticky despite running the unit, however, then an HVAC contractor may want to check the quality of your indoor air. High humidity can derail the unit’s efforts, essentially driving up your costs because of inefficiency.

Are you concerned that your home’s humidity levels are too high? Turn to the team at Donovan & Jorgenson. Proudly serving the Greater Milwaukee region of Wisconsin since 1985, the HVAC contractors are proud to offer a variety of heating and cooling services, including indoor air quality checks, dehumidifier installation, and residential repairs. Visit the website for more information or to request a free estimate.