In West and Mid Michigan, summer temperatures often bring sticky, humid air that finds its way inside. Without proper ventilation or humidity control, moisture can build up in your walls, ceilings, and floors, causing long-term damage to your home and health. Understanding how humidity damage occurs and how to prevent it can help protect your home’s structure and indoor air quality. As your local HVAC experts for over 60 years, our experts at Vredevoogd are here to help keep your home’s humidity levels in check.
Understanding High Humidity in Michigan Homes
Indoor humidity levels should ideally stay between 30% and 50% for a healthy, comfortable living environment. When levels climb above that range, the excess moisture can lead to mold growth, wood damage, and poor indoor air quality.
The most common causes of high indoor humidity in West and Mid Michigan homes include:
- Warm, damp summers: Michigan’s summer climate often includes high heat and humidity, which can make its way indoors and linger without proper control.
- Poor ventilation in older homes: Many older homes lack the modern ventilation systems needed to manage moisture, allowing humidity to build up.
- Leaky basements and crawl spaces: Ground moisture can seep into basements or crawl spaces, raising humidity throughout the entire home.
- Daily household activities: Everyday tasks like cooking, showering, and laundry release steam and moisture into the air, especially when exhaust fans or ventilation are lacking.
Common Signs & Effects of Excess Humidity
If your home has moisture problems, there are usually visible warning signs. Catching these early can help prevent serious and expensive repairs later.
Warping Wood
Wood flooring, doors, and trim can expand and warp when exposed to high humidity over time. You might notice buckling, sticking doors, or uneven floorboards as the wood absorbs moisture.
Mold Growth
Mold thrives in damp, humid conditions. It often appears as black or green patches on walls, ceilings, or in corners, especially in bathrooms, basements, or around windows. Aside from the structural risk, mold can worsen indoor air quality and trigger health issues.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
Too much moisture in the air can cause paint or wallpaper to lose adhesion. You may notice bubbling, flaking, or peeling areas, which are often a sign of prolonged high humidity in the house.
Condensation on Windows
If your windows frequently fog up or drip with condensation, it usually means the humidity levels inside are too high. Over time, this moisture can damage sills, frames, and surrounding drywall.
Musty Odors
A lingering damp or musty smell, especially in basements or closed-off rooms, can signal trapped moisture and potential mold growth.
How To Prevent Humidity Damage
There are some simple steps you can take to manage the moisture in your home and prevent humidity damage:
- Install a whole-home dehumidifier: This system works with your HVAC system to maintain ideal humidity levels in every room of your home.
- Use exhaust fans regularly: Run fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas to vent moisture outdoors.
- Seal leaks and cracks: Make sure your basement, crawl space, and windows are sealed to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Keep gutters clean and drainage clear: Proper exterior drainage helps prevent water from seeping into your home’s foundation.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors: Indoor drying adds a significant amount of moisture to the air—use a vented dryer or dry outdoors when possible.
- Maintain your HVAC system: Regular heating and AC maintenance will keep your HVAC system functioning well, helping it to regulate both temperature and humidity.
Schedule a Dehumidifier Installation With Vredevoogd Today
Humidity damage in your Michigan home is preventable, and our team can help. At Vredevoogd, we offer home humidity solutions that help protect your home, improve indoor air quality, and keep you comfortable year-round. Whether you need a whole-home dehumidifier or advice on improving ventilation, our licensed technicians will find the right solution for you.
Contact Vredevoogd today to schedule a dehumidifier installation in West and Mid Michigan.
