How to Control Humidity in Your NYC Home this Summer

May 24, 2023 by

As spring turns into summer, temperatures rise in NYC bringing the dampness and stickiness of humidity. As humidity levels rise not only can it make your home uncomfortable, it can also cause mold and other damage. The ideal range for indoor humidity is between 30-50%. Balance is important because both too much and too little humidity can become problematic.

Signs the Humidity Level is Too High in Your Home

  • Feeling like your skin is moist or clammy
  • Condensation on windows/doors
  • Chipping paint on window frames
  • A musty smell
  • Rotting wood
  • Visible mold or mildew
  • Creaking or buckling floorboards

The easiest way to accurately determine the humidity level in your home is to purchase a hygrometer which measures moisture levels in the air. These devices can easily be found at your local hardware store. If you notice signs of extra moisture in your home, the tips below can help to get summer humidity under control.

Ventilation: Showering, cooking, doing laundry, and dishwashing are a few of the activities that can invite humidity into your home if you do not have proper ventilation. It is important to run ventilation fans in the kitchen and bath areas to reduce the overall amount of damp air. If fans are not an option, opening windows or turning on an oscillating fan can also assist in drying things out. Another option is to lower the temperature of your showers and the water involved in your cleaning tasks by just a few degrees. This will reduce the amount of steam added to the air, which will reduce humidity. Appliances that produce moisture such as dryers and stovetops should be properly vented to the outside of the home and not the attic.

Air Conditioning: While the main function of an air conditioner is to control temperature, did you know they can also help to keep a good balance of moisture in the air? Of course, annual maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible. A little history lesson: The first modern electrical air conditioner was created for the purpose of controlling humidity in a publishing company to prevent the paper from expanding and to help the ink to dry faster.

Humidity Reducing Houseplants: Most plants actually release more moisture into the air, but there are a few that help to lower humidity. These house plants absorb moisture from the air through their leaves and can be helpful when used in conjunction with other humidity reducing solutions. A few humidity reducing plants to consider are the peace lily, boston fern, english ivy, reed palm, and tillandsia. 

Crawl Space and Basement Control: There is a chance the humidity levels in your home are inching upward because of the basement or crawl space. Unfortunately, the dampness from these areas can spread upward into the rest of your home. A good fan or the installation of a sump pump in this area can greatly reduce humidity. It is also helpful to cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic vapor barrier.

Dehumidifier: The most efficient way to remove extra moisture in the air is to use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is an easy way to make your home less hospitable to common allergy triggers like dust mites, mold, and mildew that thrive in humid environments. Using a dehumidifier may also reduce your air conditioning usage this summer, because it won’t have to work as hard to keep humidity levels low. 

At Sentry Window Guards our business is to help prevent falls from windows, but we also recognize the importance of good indoor air quality in homes. For more information regarding Sentry Window Guard products and how they keep everyone safe at home in NYC, contact us today!

Filed Under: Summer Home Tips Tagged With: , , ,

A Safer Home: 5 Tips for Preventing Mold in the Home

September 14, 2020 by

Yes, we know that Sentry Window Guards is your number one source for keeping your New York City home safe with top of the line window guards, but we also recognize the importance of safe air quality in homes. For more information regarding Sentry Window Guard products and how they keep everyone safe at home in NYC, read on for more information on how to prevent mold in your NYC home.

The hot and humid days of summer have not quite shown themselves the door yet. When the air is extra damp and sticky it can not only make your home uncomfortable, it can cause mold and other damage. Did you know that mold is not just a shower problem? It can grow just about anywhere: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can’t see such as inside your walls, around leaking pipes, and above ceiling tiles. Since mold can trigger serious health risks to you and your family, it’s important to keep it out. Use the following tips to prevent mold before it ever begins.   

Keep Everything Dry

Mold can’t grow without moisture, so dry all wet areas immediately. Dry any water that accumulates into the basement or crawl space after a heavy rainfall, water leakage from pipes, and all carpet spills within 24 to 48 hours.  Don’t leave wet items lying around the house, and make sure to dry all areas after a shower. A shower squeegee is a quick, easy, and painless way to rid moisture in the bathroom.

Monitor Indoor Humidity

The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. Some signs of excess humidity are visible such as condensation on windows, pipes, and walls.

Proper Ventilation

Household activities such as cooking dinner, doing laundry or dishes, and taking a shower can invite mold into your home if you do not have proper ventilation. Open a window or run an exhaust fan during moisture producing activities. Appliances that produce moisture such as dryers and stoves should be vented to the outside and not the attic.

Improve Air Flow

If you notice excess moisture condensing on your walls, windows, or floors, improving the air flow in your home may be the answer. To increase circulation, change your air filter, open doors between rooms, unblock vents, move furniture away from walls, and use fans and air conditioning as needed. Letting fresh air in by opening doors and non-adjacent windows will also reduce moisture and keep mold at bay. 

Clean and Repair Gutters

Clean gutters will keep rainwater flowing freely away from your home. Regularly clean your gutters and inspect them for damage. Water that gets clogged up in the gutters may lead to a leaky roof or work its way right into the walls and ceilings of your home. Left unnoticed, this type of water damage can quickly lead to mold.

If you do spot mold in your home, clean it right away with a bleach solution of 1/2 cup bleach to 1 quart of water. Consider calling in a professional to handle the problem if you find a big outbreak or anyone in your home has a weakened immune system or severe allergy to mold. At Sentry Window Guards our business is to help prevent falls from windows, but we also recognize the importance of safe air quality in homes. For more information regarding Sentry Window Guard products and how they keep everyone safe at home in NYC, contact us today!

 

Filed Under: Safety Tips Tagged With: ,

5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in NYC Residences

March 18, 2020 by

Sentry Window Guards Installed 1150 window guards on the Tapestry Avenue Project.

Due to more New Yorkers being homebound right now, indoor air quality needs to be addressed more than ever!

While most expect poor indoor air quality (AIQ) to be at its worst “seasonally,” poor IAQ is actually a year-round issue that needs to be addressed. Poor IAQ can cause problems such as headaches, nausea, and eye and throat irritation. More serious risks can include asthma and allergies. Unfortunately children and the elderly are more at risk to experience symptoms of poor IAQ. Here are some common sources for poor IAQ and solutions to reduce the risks to help keep you and your family safe in your home:

  1. Interior paint & new carpets: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gasses released by many household products such as interior paint and new carpets. Try to use a low concentration of VOC-paints and leave windows open and a fan running while painting. Choose low-VOC carpet to also help reduce the amount of VOC gasses emitted.
  1. Cleaning products: Try and avoid cleaning products containing chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine. Replace with hot water, baking soda and less-toxic cleaning products.
  1. HVAC systems: Systems with cracks, dirty air filters and poor ventilation can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Maintain your HVAC system on a regular basis by scheduling annual inspections and changing out air filters. Also make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is properly working with fresh batteries.
  1. Gas stoves: Improperly installed or vented stoves can dangerous. Vent the stove with a fan that blows properly and make sure burners are adjusted correctly.
  1. Cigarette smoke: If someone in your home is a smoker, the best solution is to have the smoker smoke outside. Also keep in mind that second hand and third hand (smoke that lingers in clothes, cushions and carpets) smoke can be especially harmful to children and the elderly.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of safe air quality in homes. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips Tagged With: ,

Protect Your Family With These Furnace Maintenance Tips

December 15, 2019 by

Our number one priority at Sentry Window Guards is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. Another danger that can occur in the home is deadly carbon monoxide leaks from your furnace. Here are a few DIY annual maintenance tips that will protect your family, prolong the life of your furnace and heating system, and save you some money on future repairs.

Prevent Deadly Carbon Monoxide Leaks!

  1. To get started, turn off power to the unit by switching off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse.
  2. Clean the blower fan, blades, and space in between with a toothbrush, duster and vacuum.
  3. Make sure the furnace motor is lubricated with oil once a year or more.
  4. Inspect and replace furnace air filters once a month. Depending on the filter, you will potentially spend less than $20 for a new air filter.
  5. Inspect the motor belts for tension and damage. It is in good shape if the belt is firm when pressed. Replace it if there are any cracks or damage and if it isn’t firm when pressed.
  6. Inspect duct joints for any leaks. Repair leaks by sealing them with metal tape.
  7. Make sure any outside vents and chimneys are clear of debris or snow blockage.
  8. If DIY isn’t your thing, shop around for a furnace and heating system professional for the best rate. Also, ask if they will analyze combustion gases and inspect wiring.

Create memories safely with your family in comfort this winter with a well-maintained furnace and heating system. By being proactive, you can keep your furnace running efficiently all year and protect your family from deadly carbon monoxide leaks. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

 

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips, Winter Home Tips Tagged With: , ,

5 Triggers for Poor Indoor Air Quality

July 15, 2018 by

While most expect poor indoor air quality (AIQ) to be at its worst “seasonally,” poor IAQ is actually a year-round issue that needs to be addressed. Poor IAQ can cause problems such as headaches, nausea, and eye and throat irritation. More serious risks can include asthma and allergies. Unfortunately children and the elderly are more at risk to experience symptoms of poor IAQ. Here are some common sources for poor IAQ and solutions to reduce the risks to help keep you and your family safe in your home:

  1. INTERIOR PAINT & NEW CARPETS: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gasses released by many household products such as interior paint and new carpets. Try to use a low concentration of VOC-paints and leave windows open and a fan running while painting. Choose low-VOC carpet to also help reduce the amount of VOC gasses emitted.
  1. CLEANING PRODUCTS: Try and avoid cleaning products containing chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine. Replace with hot water, baking soda and less-toxic cleaning products.
  1. HVAC SYSTEMS: Systems with cracks, dirty air filters and poor ventilation can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Maintain your HVAC system on a regular basis by scheduling annual inspections and changing out air filters. Also make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is properly working with fresh batteries.
  1. GAS STOVES: Improperly installed or vented stoves can dangerous. Vent the stove with a fan that blows properly and make sure burners are adjusted correctly.
  1. CIGARETTE SMOKE: If someone in your home is a smoker, the best solution is to have the smoker smoke outside. Also keep in mind that second hand and third hand (smoke that lingers in clothes, cushions and carpets) smoke can be especially harmful to children and the elderly.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of safe air quality in homes. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips, Summer Home Tips Tagged With: ,
Next Page »