AANMA offers family-friendly tips to beat the heat and humidity in home

Summer heat goes hand-in-hand with humidity – but it doesn't have to dampen your spirits or take your breath away. Leading nonprofit patient education organization Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) offers low-cost, family-friendly tips for improving the air in your home.

"Controlling humidity is a breeze – quite literally," says Nancy Sander , AANMA president and founder. "The key is air flow. Two of the most common indoor allergens are mold and dust mites and both can be eliminated by taking away the moisture they need to reproduce. Once you've plugged foundation or plumbing leaks and drips, sometimes all it takes is a strategically placed fan."

Whether you're keeping your own home dry or freshening up a summer vacation rental, AANMA offers inexpensive ways to beat the heat and humidity.

• Service air conditioners and replace filters to make sure water lines drain properly and air can circulate freely.
• Place an extra fan in areas prone to dampness, such as basement rooms or laundry areas. A simple box fan blowing out from the doorway can make a huge difference.
• Use exhaust fans when bathing or cooking – and vacuum or wash filters weekly.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests keeping indoor humidity levels below 50%. Check home improvement stores for inexpensive indoor temperature/humidity gauges to monitor moisture levels.