Humid Home? Damages Caused By Excess Interior Moisture
Living in a very humid climate can result in excess moisture inside your home. The moist outdoor air is circulated through your HVAC unit and pulled into the house. While some moisture in the air can be beneficial, it can also be the source for a wealth of problems in the house. The following are some of the issues you can have when there is extra moisture in the air inside your home:
Bacteria Growth
Extra moisture in the air can lead to bacterial growth in the home. Humidity can also result in the growth of mold and mildew, causing damage to both your home and your health. If you or someone in your family suffers from a respiratory condition, mold and mildew can often spell disaster. In addition to respiratory illness, other germs can attach to excess moisture. This includes the germs from illnesses, which can more easily spread throughout the environment.
Pipe Moisture
Another consequence to excess moisture inside is moist pipes, often referred to as sweaty pipes. This is when condensation collects on the pipes due to excess moisture in the home. This condensation can cause damage in the ceilings, walls, and anywhere else pipes are located.
Can Damage Hardwood Floors
Moisture in the air has to eventually land somewhere, most often the floor. If you have a home with hardwood floors, this can be a very big problem. Water is very damaging to wood, causing it to significantly warp. Over time, the planks can splinter or crack, which cannot be easily repaired. You will likely have to replace any planks that are damaged in this way or invest in having them completely refinished.
Creates a Musty Smell in the Air
If there is too much moisture in your air, it can cause the home to smell somewhat musty and stale. This scent is typically the result of mold or mildew, but it can also stem from air sitting within your air conditioning system for too long. It can also cause spaces like cabinets and closets to smell stale, causing the items inside those areas to take on that scent as well.
Fortunately, moisture can easily be repaired in your home. You can ask your HVAC technician about installing a whole home dehumidifier. These are available in different sizes that can conform to a home of nearly any size. Have your technician help you choose the perfect size for your house to improve your interior humidity issue. For more information, contact a company that specializes in heating and air conditioning repairs.