If someone asked you to name the state with the highest humidity, you would probably mention a state in the southeast—and it would be a pretty accurate answer. While Alaska actually has the highest relative humidity, the dew point is a better number to indicate just how sticky the air will feel outside. Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are among the top five states with the highest dew points, but Hawaii takes the top spot. When we look at the numbers for Michigan, humidity can clearly create some uncomfortable days for us. The state is number 33 for dew point and in the seventh position for relative humidity, and we often feel it in June, July, and August when the temperatures are higher and both outdoor and indoor humidity increases.
Indoor humidity levels play a significant role in our comfort and well-being at home, especially in areas like Grand Blanc, Fenton, and other parts of Michigan where weather extremes can be common. When indoor humidity is preventing you from enjoying the comfort of your Michigan home, contact the pros at HVAC Comfort for help. Our expert techs can inspect your AC system, identify any issues, and recommend the best solutions.
First: How the Michigan Humidity Can Affect Your HVAC System
If you’re going to be spending time out in the humidity, the best way to minimize its impact is to stay hydrated. If you begin feeling the effects of Michigan’s mugginess, the most common piece of advice is to find an air-conditioned space to take a break and cool down. The nearest source of relief will often be your own home, but that’s only if your HVAC system is running properly and maintaining a comfortable indoor humidity level.
When the weather is hot and humid, our air conditioning systems run more frequently to maintain the desired temperature. They’re designed to perform well under these conditions, but if anything is keeping them from running at maximum efficiency, they’ll run even more to keep up, and that puts a lot of stress on them. This can result in uneven temperatures in your home—you may notice that some areas are warmer than others. The varying warm and cold spots also indicate that your HVAC unit is experiencing a loss of efficiency, and that will result in higher energy bills.
How to Ensure Your Indoor Humidity Levels Stay Comfortable
The last thing any of us want when those hot and humid days in June, July, and August hit is to deal with an HVAC system that isn’t running smoothly. To ensure your indoor humidity levels are at the optimal level to keep you comfortable all year round, consider these tips:
- Change your air filter regularly. Although they’re relatively thin, air filters can have a major impact on the efficiency of your HVAC system and the health and comfort of your home. When the system is running more frequently, you should check your filter at least once a month and change it when it’s dirty.
- Schedule an AC inspection before the weather starts getting warmer. The best defense is a good offense, so it’s a good idea to call a trusted HVAC service provider like HVAC Comfort to conduct a thorough inspection of your HVAC system. A qualified technician can identify any issues that may impact the indoor humidity, reduce the efficiency of your unit, or lead to costly repairs.
- Keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature when you’re not at home. A smart thermostat will allow you to set different temperatures throughout the day, which is a great way to reduce your usage and lower your energy bills. But don’t raise the temperature too much during the times you’re away from home. You don’t want to give your system too much work to bring the indoor humidity and temperature back down to a comfortable level.
- Use your exhaust fans. When you feel the indoor humidity creeping up on those hot and humid days, you can help keep the moisture level down by running the ventilation fans in your bathrooms. If the exhaust fan over your stove top has a vent to the outside, you can also turn it on to draw a little more moisture out.
How Humidity Affects our Health and Well-Being
On particularly hot and humid days in Michigan, you may wonder what all this means for your comfort both inside and outside your home. When the dew point hits 70 degrees and higher, people really start to feel it. You’ve likely experienced it first hand during the summer months here while catching a Detroit Tigers game or cycling along the great bike paths in Oakland County. Our bodies will sweat to regulate our temperature, but prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration, muscle cramps, fatigue, and potentially heat stroke. It can also aggravate arthritis and asthma symptoms. That’s why it’s especially important to pay attention to our indoor humidity levels to ensure the comfort, health, and safety of our families and ourselves.
Conquer Indoor Humidity with HVAC Comfort’s Air Quality Solutions in Oakland County
At HVAC Comfort, we specialize in providing tailored solutions to tackle indoor humidity head-on. Our team of experienced technicians is dedicated to ensuring your home remains a comfortable oasis, regardless of the weather outside. From AC maintenance and inspection services to repairs and replacements, we have the expertise and resources to optimize your indoor environment. Don’t let Michigan humidity dampen your comfort—contact HVAC Comfort today for personalized assistance that will help you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home through every season.
Written By: HVAC Comfort Team