Summer Humidity Can Cause Problems in the Home

It won’t be long before summer weather is in full swing.

With New England's heat also comes humidity, a potential problem that every homeowner needs to keep in check. While we can’t control the weather outside, moisture in the house can be a major problem, contributing to mold, mildew, and overall dampness, especially in the attic and basement. 

 Many homeowners combat humidity by using air conditioners in their houses, and while they can reduce the moisture in the air to some degree, this is by no means their primary function. An air conditioner works by sucking the air from your home, cooling it, and blowing it back into the house. That process does reduce the humidity slightly, but pairing your air conditioner with a dehumidifier is a much smarter option.

 A dehumidifier works by pulling the moisture out of the air and storing the excess water in a holding tank. Many people keep dehumidifiers in their basements all year long to control the dampness that can often be felt in these underground areas. This is a great idea because controlling the humidity in the part of your home that holds the most water will very likely help to regulate the rest of the house.  

One way to know if your house is holding a lot of moisture is to purchase a simple five-dollar humidity gauge from the local hardware store. Ideally, you want the humidity to be under 50 percent. If it’s higher, you might want to consider using a dehumidifier in the main part of your home, especially on hot summer days and in areas where you spend the most time. 

In addition to cooling the air and decreasing moisture, running a dehumidifier during the hottest parts of the hottest days can also prevent mold and mildew growth, eliminate musty odors in the home, and prevent old pipes from sweating. Plus, you can use the water collected in the tank to give your plants a good drink. 

If you’re thinking that a dehumidifier might be a good solution for you, they come in different sizes and can be used for residential or commercial purposes. Generally, a unit will come in 25, 30, and 40-pint models, and on average a 25-pint unit will be sufficient to operate in a 1,000-square-foot area.

Dehumidifiers generally run on about half the energy of an air conditioning unit, so as long as you don’t run them all day, using one shouldn’t affect your energy bill. Just be sure to keep windows and doors closed when you run your unit, and only switch the power on during the most humid time of the day, or when the air is above 50 percent humidity. Also, be aware that dehumidifiers by nature are drying, so try not to run them while you’re occupying the room over a long period of time, like when you’re sleeping at night.

Finally, if you have a dehumidifier, be sure to keep the filter clean. Dust, dirt, and debris can build up, preventing air from flowing freely and potentially circulating mold spores throughout the home. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and spray bottle filled with a cleaning solution will do the trick to keep you breathing freely and ensure a longer life for your appliance.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Reduce Pollen Exposure

This has been an exceptionally tough allergy season for many people here in Connecticut. With high pollen counts and low rainfall, it feels like we’ve been sniffling and coughing for the best part of the spring. While the end is not quite in sight, there are plenty of things we can do to reduce our exposure. Here are my top ten tips:

1. Keep windows closed - It can be tempting to open up the windows on these gorgeous mornings, but pollen levels are generally the highest in the early hours of the day. 

2. Don’t wear shoes indoors - This is an easy way to bring pollen inside the house. Leave shoes outside or in your mudroom or breezeway to reduce allergen spread.

3. Consider an air purifier - A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will help to neutralize pollen, especially in places like the bedroom where allergies may interfere with your sleep. 

4. Shower at night - Most of us enjoy a hot shower in the morning, but if you’re outside during the day, pollen is going to stick to your clothes and hair. Consider switching up your routine during peak allergy times.

5. Keep dirty clothes in a closed bin - Wash clothes frequently and consider using a laundry basket with a lid on it, especially if you keep it in your bedroom. 

6. Dry clothes indoors - if you hang your clothes on a line to dry, they are going to attract a lot of pollen. Now is the time to use an indoor drying rack.

7. Vacuum often - pollen can creep indoors easily, even if you’re removing shoes and taking other precautions. Consider vacuuming more frequently and be sure that your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter. 

8. Know what aggravates you - allergy season is long and people are affected by different types of exposures. Right now, tree pollen counts are very high and ragweed is very low. If you know what you’re sensitive to, you can be better prepared.

9. Plan ahead - Online apps and websites like Accuweather can help you plan your activities based on your allergy triggers. This is also very helpful when you’re traveling to another region or area.

10. Try saline spray - if you find yourself walking around with a blocked airway, a simple saline spray is a great way to keep the nasal passages clear.

While some people may experience mild allergies, others will be dealing with symptoms that are much more severe. While these ideas will help to reduce pollen exposure, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional healthcare provider for the best advice and treatment options.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Five DIY Home Improvement Projects for Summer

If you’re looking for a few easy ways to give your house a facelift this summer, there are several projects that can make a big difference on a relatively small budget. Warmer weather generally makes these kinds of jobs easier so it’s a good idea to start planning now. Here are five of my favorite DIY improvements. 

1. Exterior Refresh: Refreshing the exterior of your home with a new coat of paint can make a significant difference in its appearance. Of course, painting the entire house isn’t exactly an easy job and will depend on the house's condition and the homeowner’s skill and experience. A front door spruce-up or shutter refresh can be a great place to start as well as a powerwash of the entire exterior.

2. Landscaping and Garden Improvements: Take advantage of the warm weather to spruce up your yard and garden. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, weed the flower beds, and plant new flowers or shrubs to add color and vibrancy. Installing a simple DIY pathway using gravel, stepping stones, or mulch can also enhance the overall appeal of your outdoor space.

3. Outdoor Lighting: Upgrade your outdoor lighting to create a welcoming ambiance and improve safety. Install solar-powered lights along pathways, around the porch, or in the garden. You can also consider string lights or lanterns to add a cozy and festive touch to your outdoor living areas.

4. Kitchen Backsplash: Adding or updating a backsplash in your kitchen can instantly transform the area. If you have a smaller space, visit a local tile outlet center to score a great deal on leftovers from a bigger job. This renovation can give your kitchen a fresh and updated look without breaking the bank.

5. Bathroom Updates: Refreshing your bathroom doesn't have to be expensive. Consider replacing old faucets, showerheads, or cabinet hardware to give the space a modern touch. Re-caulking the bathtub or shower, adding a new shower curtain, and installing a fresh mirror can also make a significant difference.

Remember, even though these renovations are relatively inexpensive, it's important to set a budget and plan accordingly. DIY projects can save money, but it's essential to have the necessary skills and tools for the task at hand. Also, if you’re making improvements to put a home on the market, be sure to stick with neutral colors and patterns. Bold, bright, and busy tend to turn people off if they don’t have your same tastes and preferences. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.