Humidity is great for some things – plants, our skin, and temperature regulation, among others. On the other hand, it can make the air on the East Coast feel heavy and thick. Not to mention, prolonged humidity can increase the risk of mold and mildew inside your home. So, how do you cool down and cut the humidity during a Northeast summer?
Air Conditioner Maintenance
An air conditioner can easily help reduce the humidity levels in your apartment, but you want to make sure it’s performing optimally. Be sure to clean the vents, replace the filter, and perform other regular maintenance to it. Remember that you can cut down on your energy consumption by leaving it on energy saver mode.
Keep It Dry
There are a few easy ways to ensure that excess moisture is not in your home. Keep the space dry by taking any wet things – clothes, towels, shoes, toys, animals, etc. – and getting them dry as quickly as possible. Anything wet left out releases water vapor into the air and creates the possibility for condensation and mold. Secondly, cut back on shower time. By taking long showers, you are putting moisture into the air, creating more humidity. And remember to use the vent fan when you shower to help expedite the process of that humid air leaving your space.
Increase Airflow
If possible, try to keep some windows open. Even if it’s just slightly ajar, having air moving will decrease the feeling of heavy, stagnant air. If you’ve got your air conditioner running, put on a fan to keep that air moving around in lieu of opening windows. This breeze will help move the humid air rather than letting it accumulate.
Cut Down on Cooking Inside
While this isn’t always the easiest or most applicable option, decreasing the use of your oven, stove, or other heat-emitting appliances inside will undoubtedly decrease the humidity levels in your apartment. When you release heat into the air, that warm air meets with cool surfaces to create condensation, which will then release water vapor. This will ultimately increase your humidity levels. Try grilling outside if and when possible, so that you are keeping the heat outside.
Green Up Your Space
Did you know that some plants can help dehumidify the indoors? Incredibly, they attract the moisture in the air for their own use and growth. Keep an aloe plant indoors (this is also helpful for potential sun damage) and it will help decrease the moisture levels in your home. Helpful plants to help dehumidify your home are:
- Aloe
- Spider Plant
- Peace Lily
- English Ivy
- Golden Pothos
- Boston Fern
Invest in a Dehumidifier
As the name suggests, dehumidifiers remove the humidity and moisture in an enclosed space. You are helping ensure a low-moisture home, which will clear away stale smells, help reduce the potential for moisture-loving bugs like mosquitos, and protect your walls, clothes, and furniture from mold and mildew. You can find different sizes for smaller rooms, like bathrooms, or for larger spaces, like living rooms and bedrooms.
Looking for more tips for your apartment for the summer?