During the summer, there’s nothing better than stepping inside to escape the hot day outside–especially in Chicagoland. The Midwest is known for having a humid climate, making a hot day feel even hotter with its warm, sticky air.

It’s rare to find someone that enjoys humid days. In Chicagoland, we’re glad when rain breaks through the humidity. We do everything we can to keep our homes at the right moisture levels.

Humidity can make our indoor environments uncomfortable, but it can also be harmful to our homes when left unchecked. Here are the top three ways in which humidity can damage your home.

Mold

High humidity levels can cause moisture droplets to form on cold surfaces in your home. This usually starts on your windows first but can also happen on your walls. If you don’t wipe up the gathered water immediately, it can cause mold growth.

Rot

Think about how much of your home is made of wood. Then think about how damp air provides the perfect environment for rot to develop. Even if you have stains, paints, and preservatives protecting the wooden floors and furniture in your home, they can still be vulnerable to rot when located in humid climates.

Pest

Dust mites and many other pests thrive in humid environments, growing and reproducing in warm and wet climates. This is not good news for those with asthma or other respiratory issues!

The best way to lower humidity levels in your home is to install a whole-home dehumidifier on your HVAC system. Air conditioners are great at removing moisture from your indoor air, but whole-home dehumidifiers can give your home the extra help it needs. Get your free estimate from Four Seasons today!