Humidity level in homes

[jojo]

I would love to air out the house on days when it is somewhat cooler and breezier. The Village Homeowners Guide recommends a humidity level of 50%. Mine is 75% and I can't imagine how I would get it lower since I've had the AC on 24/7. Is 50% realistic and/or achievable?

[tkret]

jojo

this may sound like a foolish question but how do you gauge the humidity level in a home. After 25 years in dry Colorado and even drier Arizona, I am uneducated on this matter. Thank you.

[swrinfla]

I just checked my humidity reading device - don't even ask me how it works! - and it reads 46%. I have even less idea as to how that's achieved! I seldom find that the interior is too humid, so I guess something is working correctly!

SWR

[sschuler1]

Jojo,

Maybe you need to try a dehumidifier? Might make your air conditioner more efficient, and maybe you won't have to run it 24/7 to keep it cool in your house.

[graciegirl]

Jo.

Is it cooling? Perhaps your AC needs to be checked for Freeon. (sp?) Does it feel humid inside?

I run a dehumidifier in our basement here in Ohio in the summer time with the air conditioner going but I really don't know what percentage of humidity it is. Sometimes it just feels dampish.

[Russ_Boston]

JoJo - I would think 50% is realistic. If you have 76% in the house I think that is too high. Even when it is very humid here in MA, with my central A/C running the house is 47% or so.

You might have an issue with the evaporator unit.

[jojo]

Thanks for your suggestions. Maybe I should check the hydrometer as it doesn't feel humid and the AC works fine.