Indoor Air Quality During Maine’s Humid Summer Months
Maine is undeniably beautiful, with its lush green landscapes and wonderful coastal breeze, but along with its natural beauty comes humidity. Those who have lived here during the summer know how sticky and warm the weather can be. Indoor air quality becomes even more important during the humid summer months as the sticky air does not just make you feel uncomfortable, but can also create the ideal environment for air pollutants, negatively affecting your health.
The Hidden Effects of Humidity
A rise in humidity creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. These fungi then release spores into the air, causing allergies, asthma attacks, and various respiratory issues. Even those who do not suffer from asthma or any other existing conditions can experience irritation in the eyes, nose and throat.
Dust mites also thrive in such humid environments. They feed on dust particles that accumulate in carpets, bedding, and furniture, causing health issues such as asthma and allergy symptoms. Excess humidity in the air can also cause the wood to warp, paint to peel off, and affect electronic devices due to excess dampness in the air.
Why Maine Homes Are Vulnerable
Due to its coastal climate, Maine is particularly prone to humid weather conditions. Many homes have poor ventilation during the warm summer months, due to which moisture gets trapped inside the house, making the indoor air even more humid.
To tackle these issues, there are various solutions available. Here are some steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality and make your home a healthier place to live.
1. Invest in a Dehumidifier
Investing in a high-quality dehumidifier can improve your home’s air considerably. Dehumidifiers remove the excess moisture from the air, preventing the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites. They are available in many different sizes, from small units that can be installed in rooms to whole-house systems that can help remove excess moisture throughout your home.
2. Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation is important. This can be done by opening windows during cool hours of the day. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove hot air and ensure good ventilation. Make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly, as it can help improve air circulation and remove excess moisture and pollutants from your home.
3. Air Purifiers and Filters
Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and air purifiers to remove mold spores, pollen, dust, and other airborne pollutants. By using these filters along with dehumidifiers, you can make your indoor air cleaner and healthier.
4. Regular Maintenance
Periodically inspect areas that are prone to moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Look out for any signs of leaks, clean gutters regularly, and get waterproofing done in areas prone to dampness.
Reach out to Air & Water Quality today to elevate your home’s air and water quality with advanced systems like our water softener in Maine. We offer comprehensive solutions that go beyond what you see and fix the root cause of the problem.
