We all love the long, sunny days and warm temperatures that summer brings. However, rising temperatures also invite humidity and condensation, which can affect both your comfort and your home. Understanding how these factors work is crucial to managing excess moisture and preventing potential problems in your living spaces.

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. It can be measured in two ways:

• Absolute humidity: The total amount of water vapor present in the air.
• Relative humidity: The percentage of moisture in the air relative to the temperature.

Relative humidity is the more commonly discussed metric, as it has a direct impact on how comfortable the air feels. High relative humidity makes the air feel warmer, heavier, and more uncomfortable. It can also create conditions ideal for mold growth and musty odors in your home.

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface, causing water vapor to turn into liquid droplets. You might notice this on a cold glass of iced tea on a hot day or on windows at night when the outside temperature drops.

During the summer, condensation can be a significant issue inside your home. If the humidity levels are high and ventilation is poor, condensation may form on windows, walls, and even ceilings. This is a clear sign that there’s too much moisture in your indoor environment.

Summer weather often brings higher humidity levels. Warm air holds more moisture than cool air, making condensation more likely when humid air meets cooler surfaces indoors.

For example, air conditioning units cool indoor air, and if there’s a large temperature difference between the cooled surfaces and the humid air, condensation can develop. This is especially common in areas like bathrooms and kitchens after activities like showering or cooking.

To keep humidity and condensation under control during the summer, try these simple strategies:

• Use a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help reduce excess moisture in your home, particularly in high-humidity areas like basements. This will make your living space feel cooler and more comfortable.

• Improve ventilation: Make sure your bathrooms and kitchens are properly ventilated. Use exhaust fans or open windows to allow moisture to escape. If you have an HVAC system, ensure it’s well-maintained to regulate indoor humidity and improve air quality.

• Run your air conditioner: Your AC cools the air and reduces humidity levels. For best results, ensure your air conditioning unit is appropriately sized for your space and schedule regular maintenance checks.

• Adjust your AC settings: Consider running your AC in the "on" position during active hours to maintain cooler air, and switch to the "auto" setting at night for more efficient energy use.