The air you breathe inside your home may have more to do with your health than you realize. Newer homes in Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties tend to be tighter than they used to be, yet often lack proper ventilation. Uncontrolled moisture and humidity are some of the biggest dangers to your health and your home.
The air you breathe inside your home may have more to do with your health than you realize. Newer homes in Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties tend to be tighter than they used to be, yet often lack proper ventilation.
Uncontrolled moisture and humidity are some of the biggest dangers to your health and your home. If you’re feeling sticky and hot or noticing unpleasant odors inside your home, it’s time to take a look at indoor humidity control.
Setting the Stage for Mold
Did you know that if humidity levels in the home are allowed to stay consistently above 50%, health-endangering allergens, such as mold and dust mites, are able to thrive? It takes just 24 to 48 hours for black mold to begin multiplying in your home under these conditions.
Mold and dust are among the top triggers for asthma and other allergy symptoms. In order to improve indoor air quality and minimize allergies at home, it’s important to take steps to control indoor humidity.
How to Control Humidity at Home
Taking control of the humidity levels in your home is best accomplished with a multi-step plan, including air sealing, insulation and ventilation. A dehumidifier is often also a good option.
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Air Seal
Professional air sealing closes all the tiny gaps and cracks in your home that provide easy access to moist outside air. Sealing these holes keeps the moisture out to improve indoor air quality and creates a tighter, more energy-efficient home.
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Insulate
Certain types of insulation, such as spray foam insulation, serve as a further barrier to moisture intrusion, once again protecting your indoor air from excess humidity. In addition, insulation makes your home more comfortable and conserves energy to lower your utility bills.
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Ventilate
While tight homes are recommended for energy efficiency and pollutant, allergen and moisture control, you still need fresh air exchange and circulation. Proper ventilation is essential for clean, healthy air. A whole-house energy recovery ventilation system exchanges outside and indoor air without burdening your indoor heating or cooling systems. Princeton Air offers an array of ventilation systems customized to provide the perfect solution for your home.
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Dehumidify
Depending on your home and situation, a whole-house or basement dehumidifier may be a good option for further controlling humidity within your house. Whole-house systems connect to your ductwork to provide constant humidity control. Basement units ensure that moisture from the ground and air don’t accumulate to allow mold growth or rot, eliminating the conditions that cause mildew and musty odors.
Be Healthy at Home with Princeton Air
If you’re concerned about humidity control in your Bucks County area home, call Princeton Air. We have the expertise, products and experience to help get to the root of the problem and provide the most effective solutions for you. Our home performance services cover all your needs for an energy-efficient, comfortable and healthy home.
