Keeping your home cool and comfortable over the summer can be an ongoing battle — especially if you’re not addressing the real problem. While the heat from the sun can make our home warm, it’s the humidity that really adds to your discomfort.

This summer, keep the humidity in your home at bay with these helpful tips:

1. Use a dehumidifier in your basement

Basements are typically the most humid areas of our homes. This is often caused by moisture coming through your concrete foundation. Your basement may be even more humid if your floor is unfinished. If your basement is the main cause of humidity in your home, address it head-on by using a dehumidifier. You can buy a portable unit that plugs into your wall, and it can be turned on and off whenever you like.

2. Use fans in bathrooms and the kitchen

Your basement isn’t the only room in your home that produces moisture. Your bathrooms, kitchen and even your laundry room can add a lot of moisture to the air in your home. Be sure to make use of the fans in these rooms throughout the summer, especially after someone has had a shower or while you’re running a load of laundry.

3. Use your air conditioner

If humidity is an issue throughout your home, and not just limited to certain rooms or areas, your air conditioner is the best whole-home dehumidifier you could have. Air conditioners cool the air in your home and, as a result, reduce water vapour’s ability to hold heat. To use your air conditioner as an effective dehumidifier, you may have to set it to a lower temperature.

4. Choose a two-stage or fully variable air conditioner

If you’re upgrading your air conditioner and humidity is a concern in your home, consider choosing a two-stage or fully variable air conditioner. These types of air conditioners allow you to run them at lower outputs for a longer period of time and remove up to 65% more humidity from your home than a standard air conditioner.

5. Consider a whole-home dehumidifier

In some situations, a whole-home dehumidifier may be a good option. Whole-home dehumidifiers are installed onto your HVAC unit and are a good idea if humidity is an issue throughout your home and your air conditioner isn’t cutting it. Keep in mind that a whole-home dehumidifier by itself will only remove humidity and won’t necessarily lower your home’s temperature — although it will make your home feel more comfortable.

6. Resolve moisture issues

If the humidity is really wreaking havoc on your home and your comfort, it may be a sign of larger, more serious structural issues. Inspect your home for any leaks or sources of water entry, such as a leaky roof, flooded basement, or water accumulating around the outside of your home’s foundation. Have your roof examined and  fix any damage or replace your shingles as needed. Consider installing landscaping around the exterior of your home to assist rainwater in flowing away from your foundation.

Whatever your home comfort needs, Bryan’s Fuel has you covered. Contact us for help with humidity issues and more!