Keeping your home at the right humidity level isn’t just about comfort; it’s also key to maintaining good health, protecting your home’s structure, and enhancing energy efficiency. If you’ve ever felt that annoying dryness in the winter or stickiness in the summer, that’s your home humidity needing some balance. At Gastech Solutions Inc. in St. Thomas, Ontario, we often talk to customers who want to adjust their home’s humidity and aren’t sure of the best ways to do it. Fortunately, there are effective tools and methods to help, including using a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or a humidifier.

Let’s dive into some of the best ways to raise or lower humidity in your home, why it matters, and how Gastech Solutions Inc. can help.

Why Control Humidity?

Indoor humidity levels should ideally be between 30% and 50%. When it’s lower than that, you get dry air—leading to issues like dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity, and even cracks in your wood furniture or floors. If it’s higher than 50%, you’ll experience dampness, which can lead to mold growth, dust mites, and that sticky feeling on hot days. Too much humidity can also damage walls, wallpaper, and other parts of your home’s interior.

Keeping the balance is key, and it’s easier than you might think.

Tools for Lowering Humidity

1. Using a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)

   One of the most effective ways to reduce humidity, especially during colder months, is with a Heat Recovery Ventilator. An HRV system brings fresh air into your home and expels stale air, helping to control moisture. Here’s how it works:

   • Balanced Airflow: HRVs maintain balanced airflow, which helps to control humidity naturally without excessive cooling or heating.
   • Energy Efficiency: An HRV doesn’t just ventilate but also captures the warmth from outgoing air to preheat incoming air, making it an energy-efficient option.
   • Control Moisture from Everyday Activities: Cooking, showering, and even breathing add moisture to your home. An HRV system removes stale, moist air and replaces it with fresh air, keeping humidity levels in check.

   An HRV is especially beneficial for those with tightly sealed homes, as these houses often trap moisture. This system can run continuously or on a timed cycle, making it easier to maintain consistent, comfortable humidity levels.

2. Dehumidifiers

   Another straightforward way to manage high humidity is with a dehumidifier, which works by pulling in moist air and extracting the moisture. Portable dehumidifiers are effective for single rooms or smaller spaces, while whole-house dehumidifiers are a great option if your entire home needs more moisture control.

3. Air Conditioning

   Many people don’t realize that air conditioners also reduce humidity. By cooling the air, they simultaneously remove moisture. In summer, running your AC will reduce excess humidity, making it feel cooler and more comfortable indoors. It’s a simple way to handle humidity without any extra equipment!

Tools for Raising Humidity

During winter, your home heating system often dries out indoor air. Here are some effective tools to raise humidity and add comfort back to your home.

1. Install a Humidifier

   The most efficient way to add moisture to your air is with a humidifier. There are two main types to consider:

   • Portable Humidifiers: These are great for individual rooms, such as bedrooms or offices. They’re budget-friendly and easy to move, making them a good option if only specific areas need added humidity.
   • Whole-Home Humidifiers: This is the best choice for consistent humidity throughout your home. Installed directly onto your HVAC system, a whole-home humidifier automatically adds moisture whenever your heating system runs, keeping all rooms comfortable.

   Whole-home humidifiers are a perfect, low-maintenance solution if you experience dry air every winter. They work silently in the background, so you won’t need to refill water tanks or worry about moving the unit around.

2. Boil Water or Use the Shower

   This might seem simple, but boiling water or leaving the bathroom door open while you shower can quickly add some moisture to the air. These quick fixes can make a noticeable difference in small spaces, especially if you’re only experiencing dryness for a short period.

3. Houseplants

   Did you know that houseplants release moisture? Adding a few plants in your home can subtly increase humidity and give you the added benefit of better air quality. Ferns, spider plants, and peace lilies are known for their air-purifying properties and high water release, making them ideal choices for this purpose.

Additional Tips for Managing Humidity

• Seal Leaks and Insulate Properly: Cracks in doors, windows, and walls can affect humidity. During humid summers, moist air will find its way indoors, raising humidity. In winter, dry air can leak in and reduce humidity. Proper insulation keeps your home’s internal environment more stable.
• Regular HVAC Maintenance: An inefficient heating or cooling system may struggle to manage humidity properly. Regular maintenance by professionals, like those at Gastech Solutions Inc., ensures that your system works efficiently.

Why Choose Gastech Solutions Inc.?

At Gastech Solutions Inc., we’re not only experts in heating and cooling but also in creating comfortable indoor environments that improve your quality of life. Whether you’re interested in an HRV system to control excess moisture or a humidifier to add comfort during dry winters, we’re here to help. Our team offers personalized consultations to understand your specific humidity needs and recommend the best solutions.

We proudly serve the St. Thomas, Ontario, area with high-quality installations, repairs, and maintenance. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes us the trusted choice for indoor comfort solutions.

Final Thoughts

Controlling home humidity doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and knowledge, you can maintain a comfortable, healthy environment all year round. Whether you’re looking to lower humidity with an HRV or add moisture with a whole-home humidifier, Gastech Solutions Inc. is here to make it easy.

Ready to say goodbye to discomfort from too much or too little humidity? Contact Gastech Solutions Inc. today to learn more about our HRV systems, humidifiers, and complete indoor comfort services!