It is common to feel sticky and humid heat in the atmosphere after the rain, which can make one feel stuffy inside the house. This problem is more prevalent in homes with poor ventilation, as increased moisture in the air causes a strange stickiness in the room. Even if the outside temperature is not high, running a fan does not provide relief, mainly due to the increased moisture in the air.
If you do not have an air conditioner (AC) or do not want to increase your electricity bill, the room can be made more comfortable with some simple measures. Especially during the monsoon, controlling ventilation and room humidity is extremely important.
Why does humidity increase in a room during the monsoon?
The level of moisture in the air increases significantly during the monsoon. When this moisture gets trapped inside the room, the air starts feeling sticky. In this situation, a fan only circulates the air but does not reduce the moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the moist air accumulated in the room while cooling it.
Tips to keep the room cool
- Open windows and doors as soon as the rain stops: As soon as the rain stops, the house windows should be opened. However, it is important to note that the outside air should not be excessively humid. Doing this will let out the stale air from the room and bring in fresh air. Using natural air in the morning and evening can help keep the room fresh; however, if it is raining or feels very humid outside, do not leave the windows open for long periods.
- Use an exhaust fan: If there is an exhaust fan installed in the house, do not limit its use only to when cooking. It can also be run for a while to expel humid air from the room or bathroom, thus removing the heavy and moist air inside.
- Place a bowl of ice in front of the fan: An easy method can be adopted when feeling hot in the absence of AC. Placing a bowl filled with ice in front of a table fan allows the fan's air to pass through the ice, making the room air feel cool for a while. This is not a way to eliminate moisture, but it can provide some relief from the heat.
- Do not dry wet clothes indoors during the rain: Clothes do not dry quickly in the monsoon, so many people hang them inside the room. However, drying wet clothes this way makes the room air even more humid, which can increase the mugginess. Therefore, if possible, dry clothes in a place where there is proper airflow.
- Avoid pouring too much water on the floor: Water or moisture remaining on the floor for a long time during the rain can increase the room's humidity. Therefore, do not let water accumulate on the floor, and keep the path for air circulation open after mopping, because even a small carelessness can make the room damp.
- Be careful while using a cooler: The air is already humid on rainy days. In such cases, continuously running the water pump of a cooler can further increase the moisture in the room, leading to a feeling of stickiness rather than coolness. Coolers should be used as needed on very humid days, and if possible, use only the fan mode for some time.
- Keep the room light and airy: Do not keep too much furniture, heavy textiles, or objects in the room that obstruct airflow. When items are fewer and organized, the air circulates easily. During the monsoon, it is better to reduce heavy curtains and other things that trap moisture; therefore, using light fabric curtains is beneficial.