Summers in Michigan bring a mix of hot days and sticky, oppressive air. While temperatures often climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s during the summer, it is the high humidity that makes things unbearable. The air feels heavy, your cooling bills keep rising, and you are getting no relief; it’s time to look beyond the heat. Understanding how heat and humidity affect comfort is the first step toward better comfort.
AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical in Farmington Hills, MI, can explain how heat and humidity affect your comfort and indoor air quality. These tips can help you maintain a more comfortable home throughout the summer.
Differences Between Heat and Humidity
Heat is a measure of temperature, while humidity measures the moisture in the air. When both are high, your body’s ability to cool down diminishes. The body relies on sweating to regulate its temperature. High humidity impedes this process. It leaves your skin sticky and you feeling sluggish.
In Michigan, summer air often holds a lot of moisture. The Great Lakes contribute to higher humidity levels, especially in July and August. Even if temperatures do not rise to extreme levels, humidity percentages of 70% or 80% can feel stifling.
Why Humidity Makes Heat Feel Worse
Sweat that lingers on the skin instead of evaporating can make you feel hotter than the actual temperature. This is known as the heat index. It is a measure of how hot the air feels when combined with humidity.
For example, if the air temperature is 85 degrees with 70% humidity, it may feel more like 95 degrees. Indoors, this causes your air conditioner to work much harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.
The Impact of Humidity on Home Comfort
High humidity makes you more than uncomfortable. It can also affect your home’s structure, air quality, and your health.
High humidity causes moisture buildup in the form of condensation on windows and walls, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. The increased moisture can damage wood floors, trim, and furniture, causing them to warp over time.
Increased moisture can also affect your health. You may experience more severe allergy symptoms, including those caused by dust mites and mold growth.
Signs Your Home Has High Indoor Humidity
Pay attention to the warning signs that may occur when you have high humidity. Ignoring these signs can have a significant impact on your home and family.
- Damp, sticky air
- Condensation on windows or walls
- Musty smells in closets or basements
- Visible mold and mildew growth
- Clammy skin
- Clothes never feel dry
- AC runs constantly
- Lack of cooling
How We Measure Indoor Humidity
The easiest way to measure indoor humidity levels is by using an inexpensive tool called a hygrometer. For optimal indoor comfort, keep humidity levels between 45% to 55%. Humidity levels above 60% can lead to discomfort.
Tips for Improving Comfort
In humid climates like Michigan, comfort depends on more than the temperature settings. Even if your thermostat reads 72 degrees, the air may feel warmer. It helps to combine temperature and humidity control to stay comfortable without overworking your air conditioner.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Smart thermostats can do much more than make temperature adjustments. Many models track humidity levels. They can learn your habits and preferences and make adjustments.
Some smart thermostats also communicate with other devices in your home, such as dehumidifiers or whole-home purifiers. They can help you achieve a balanced sense of comfort.
Invest in a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Although central air conditioners remove some moisture, they don’t do enough to combat the intense summers in Michigan. A whole-home dehumidifier works in conjunction with your HVAC system to remove excess moisture from the air.
The following are benefits of installing a whole-home system:
- Lower energy bills through decreased AC strain
- Reduced mold, mildew, and allergens
- Greater comfort at higher temperatures
- Better indoor air quality
Improve Airflow Throughout Your Home
Good airflow is crucial for maintaining optimal temperature and moisture control. Poor airflow traps humidity and hot air. A lack of airflow is especially problematic in multi-level homes or those with older ductwork systems.
It helps to run your ceiling fans at all times during the summer. Make sure they run in a counterclockwise direction. This allows them to push air downward, making it feel cooler.
Use your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans during and after use to remove excess moisture from the air created by cooking and bathing. You should also keep interior doors open to allow air to flow more freely between rooms.
Increased air circulation promotes moisture evaporation. It prevents the air from becoming stagnant and from collecting humidity.
Seal Leaks and Insulate
Warm, moist air often enters through gaps in windows and doors. Air leaks force your air conditioner to work harder due to increased humidity levels.
Seal your window and door frames with caulk or weatherstripping. Consider adding insulation to attics and crawl spaces. Additionally, you can install vapor barriers to block ground moisture from rising into your home and increasing humidity.
Maintain Your HVAC System
HVAC maintenance helps control heat and humidity levels. Your system needs professional maintenance to perform at its best. You should schedule an air conditioner appointment in early spring.
Our air conditioner maintenance services include inspections, testing, cleaning, lubricating, and tightening connections. We thoroughly test every component of your air conditioner to ensure it operates effectively and efficiently.
These services also enable us to identify minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Addressing minor problems helps protect your system’s performance and lifespan.
Use Curtains and Blinds to Block the Heat
Direct sunlight can quickly heat your home. It can cause your air conditioner to work harder. Use blackout curtains or reflective shades to help reduce the impact of direct sunlight. Doing so takes the strain off your AC.
Consider an HVAC Upgrade
If your system is over 10 to 15 years old, consider an upgrade. Newer models can offer higher efficiency levels, built-in humidity controls, and variable speed motors that adjust airflow. With smart thermostat and air purifier integration, a new system can help you take control of your comfort.
In a humid climate, selecting the correct size of HVAC system is crucial. Oversized units may cool too quickly without properly dehumidifying the air. An undersized system may struggle to keep up with the demands. Both will leave your home uncomfortable and increase your cooling costs.
We can perform a professional assessment to help you determine the proper system type and size. Our team will take into account your windows, ceiling height, home size, and insulation. We can guide you through the options to help you make an informed choice.
Find the Perfect Balance for Summer Comfort
Heat and humidity work together to make summers uncomfortable in Michigan. Finding the right balance between temperature and moisture control can be a challenging task. While high temperatures are uncomfortable, it is that sticky, heavy air that causes discomfort.
If your air conditioner alone isn’t providing relief, you may need to seek professional help. We offer a variety of comfort solutions, including AC replacement, whole-home dehumidifiers, and HVAC maintenance.
AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical prioritizes your comfort and offers upfront pricing with no surprises. Our team provides installation, maintenance, and repairs. We stand behind our work 100% to guarantee your satisfaction.
Contact our trusted experts at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for HVAC services in Farmington Hills.
