Common HVAC Questions and Answers

Why Would Some People Want to Increase the Humidity in Their Home?

There are several reasons why someone might want to increase the humidity in their home. However, it’s important to remember that excessive humidity can lead to mold growth. Here are some key reasons:

1. Health Benefits – Dry air can cause dry skin, irritated sinuses, sore throats, and respiratory issues. Increasing humidity can help reduce these problems.
2. Preventing Dryness in Wood & Furniture – Low humidity can cause wood furniture, flooring, and musical instruments to crack or warp over time.
3. Reducing Static Electricity – Dry air increases static electricity, which can be annoying and may damage electronics.
4. Comfort & Warmth – Moist air feels warmer than dry air, making a home feel cozier, especially in winter.
5. Helping Plants Thrive – Many houseplants require a certain level of humidity to stay healthy and hydrated.
6. Easing Cold & Flu Symptoms – Proper humidity can help with congestion, coughs, and overall respiratory health.
7. Preventing Dry Eyes & Skin – Low humidity can lead to itchy, irritated eyes and dry, cracked skin.
8. Overuse of Dehumidifiers – Some homeowners may have removed too much humidity from their home with a dehumidifier and need to rebalance it.

What Is the Ideal Humidity for a House and Why?

As a mold expert, I recommend keeping humidity below 60%, with an ideal range of 40-50% to prevent mold growth. Once humidity exceeds 60%, mold spores can start thriving on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, especially in poorly ventilated areas.

What Are the Best Ways to Increase Humidity in a Controlled Way?

Here are some easy ways to increase humidity without any extra tools or equipment:

1. Use the HVAC Fan – Set your thermostat’s fan mode from "Auto" to "On." This helps circulate air and maintain moisture levels.
2. Take Hot Showers – Running hot water in the shower with the bathroom door open can introduce steam and increase humidity in your home.
3. Open Windows and Doors – Depending on your location and the outside humidity levels, opening doors and windows can help regulate indoor humidity.

Why Is It Important for Homeowners to Regularly Clean Their Dryer Ducts, and What Risks Come with Neglecting This Maintenance?

Dryer ducts should be cleaned at least once a year, but every six months is recommended if:

• You do frequent laundry, especially for a large household.
• You have pets, as fur can clog the vent faster.
• Your dryer takes longer than usual to dry clothes, indicating buildup.
• You notice a burning smell or the dryer gets excessively hot during use.

Regular cleaning improves efficiency, extends the dryer's lifespan, reduces energy costs, and most importantly, prevents fire hazards caused by lint buildup.

What Are the Best Methods for Cleaning a Dryer Vent?

You can buy a home dryer vent cleaning kit on Amazon, or hire a professional for a thorough cleaning.

How Much of a Fire Hazard Is Lint Buildup in Dryer Ducts?

Lint buildup in dryer ducts is a serious fire hazard. Here are some alarming statistics:

• Nearly 3,000 dryer fires occur each year in the U.S.
• These fires result in $35 million in property damage annually.
• 34% of dryer fires are caused by failure to clean the dryer, making it the leading cause of these fires.
• Dryer fires result in hundreds of injuries and multiple fatalities each year.

Lint is highly flammable. When it accumulates in the dryer vent, it restricts airflow, causing overheating and potentially igniting a fire. Regular cleaning significantly reduces this risk.

Does a Clogged Dryer Vent Affect Energy Efficiency and Appliance Lifespan?

Yes, a clogged dryer vent negatively affects both energy efficiency and appliance lifespan:

Energy Efficiency:

• A blocked vent reduces airflow, making the dryer work harder and take longer to dry clothes.
• This increases energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills.
• Clothes may take two or more cycles to dry, wasting electricity or gas.

Appliance Lifespan:

• Excess strain on the dryer overworks the motor, heating element, and other components, leading to premature wear and tear.
• A clogged vent can cause overheating, damaging internal parts and leading to costly repairs or early replacement.
• Regular vent cleaning helps your dryer last longer, reducing the need for expensive maintenance.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

The good news? You can take simple steps to breathe easier at home:

• Use an Air Purifier – HEPA filters remove fine particles like dust, pet dander, and mold spores. Recommended brands: Halo Whole House Air Purifier, Apco Air Purifier Fresh-Aire UV.
• Improve Ventilation – Open windows daily (weather permitting) and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Monitor Humidity Levels – Keep humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold growth.
• Choose Low-VOC & Formaldehyde-Free Products – Look for furniture, flooring, and cleaning products labeled "low VOC" or "formaldehyde-free."
• Upgrade Your HVAC System – High-quality filters (MERV 13 or higher) trap airborne pollutants before they circulate.

Final Takeaway

Outdoor pollution might be visible, but the air inside your home could be even more harmful if you’re not proactive. With small changes, you can create a cleaner, healthier environment—starting with the air you breathe.

How Can You Determine Whether a Home Is Sustainable?

• Utility Bills – Consistently low energy and water bills indicate efficiency.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances – Homes with solar panels, LED lighting, and smart thermostats are more sustainable.
• HVAC Systems – High-efficiency HVAC systems and well-maintained filters improve sustainability.
• Water Usage – Low-flow fixtures, water purification systems, and efficient irrigation contribute to sustainability.
• Building Materials & Insulation – Well-insulated homes help reduce energy waste.

Red Flags That Show a Home Is Not Sustainable

• High electric and water bills
• Outdated HVAC system that doesn’t maintain temperature efficiently
• Poor insulation, drafts, or single-pane windows
• Mold, poor indoor air quality, or lack of ventilation
• Inefficient lighting (incandescent bulbs instead of LED)

How Can You Improve Home Sustainability?

• Upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC systems and water heaters.
• Improve insulation and install energy-efficient windows.
• Use smart home technology to optimize energy use.
• Install solar panels or switch to renewable energy.
• Incorporate water-saving features like low-flow fixtures.
• Improve indoor air quality with air purifiers and mold prevention measures.

Agencies & Companies That Can Help

• ENERGY STAR – Provides certifications and guidance on energy-efficient appliances.
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – Offers certifications for sustainable building.
• Local Utility Companies – Many provide home energy audits and rebates for efficiency upgrades.
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR – Offers improvement recommendations for energy savings.

Final Note: Your HVAC system is your #1 contributor to your electric bill. Keeping your home at 77°F to save electricity can lead to humidity exceeding 60%, increasing the risk of mold growth. Keep indoor humidity under 57% for a safe and comfortable home.