From A/C to Window Films: 6 Ways to Protect Your Home From Qatar Humidity

According to a Building Science Corporation study, dampness of 70% or higher can cause corrosion and decay within the home. This could result in mold, which has been proven detrimental to human health, especially for people with weakened immune systems and respiratory issues. 

With humidity in Qatar frequently reaching 70%, knowing how to prepare your A/C, when to use home appliances, and what affordable gadgets go a long way in protecting your home from mold and its consequences. 

When you cook, use the washing and drying machine, or even a fan to dry your hair, you can make your home warmer as the electrical resistance these appliances use produces heat. You probably need to do most of these activities regularly, so stopping them isn’t an option. But you can try organizing your day differently.

For instance, turn on the washing machine in the evening, and instead of using a dryer, hang your clothes on the balcony. It will dry during the day, and you won’t overheat the apartment. 

Also, try to cook early in the morning or in the evening when the temperature is not too high. If possible, prepare food in batches — you can freeze larger quantities to use later on. Or, prepare different dishes at the same time, leave one dish for your lunch, and freeze the rest. While cooking, make sure to cover the pot to minimize vapor circulation. 

Ideally, you should prepare your A/C before the heatwave kicks in, but if you haven’t gotten time so far, better late than never! For starters, contact a licensed HVAC expert to perform a check-in and resolve any potential issues. They will also provide the best advice for maintaining your specific A/C system.

After that, it gets much easier as you only need to change the filters monthly, or wash them if they’re reusable. Also, pay attention to your outside A/C unit: it should be free from figs, leaves, dirt, or anything else that could physically damage it. 

If you’re getting a new A/C unit, choose the one that’s designed for your house size. These things may look minor, but at the end of the day, the right A/C will bring down the electricity bill while being able to cool your entire home. 

Install a smart thermostat

A smart or programmable thermostat allows you to set the A/C to work only when the temperature reaches a certain point. This way, you will not use as much energy, and the level of temperature and humidity will stay approximately the same during the day.

You can also set the thermostat to start working an hour or half an hour before you come home from work, for example. 

Buy ceiling fans

Fans aren’t the most efficient on their own, but they can be a great helping hand to your A/C system. You can install ceiling fans in your home or put regular ones around different areas. 

Either way, remember that they don’t actually lower the temperature in the room; they rather stir the airflow. If you place a bowl with ice in front of the fan, it can make the air feel more pleasant. You can do this in the evenings or early in the morning.

For starters, you can use thick curtains or even blankets to cover the windows that get the most sun. If your windows have blinds or shutters, close them completely during the midday heatwave. 

But, probably the best way to cover your windows is to invest in reflective window films. You place these on the window from the outside, and they will block the UV radiation and the heat. 

Does your home have proper insulation? And if it does, what type of insulation is it? 

Not all climates require the same insulation types. For example, in hot and humid areas, like Qatar, it is best to have elements of a vapor retarder, such as foam boarder, or spray foam. 

Insulation can be applied in attics, ceilings, walls, and floors, and will regulate the temperature. It will make it easier to keep the home temperature ideal both in cold and hot weather.

Another benefit of good insulation: it prevents moisture from building up, which means the walls will not develop mold. 

If you’re not sure what kind of insulation you have at home, you can contact a company like Qatar Insulation Factory that installs or sells it, and they can help you figure it out.

People are most comfortable when humidity levels are between 30 and 50, and, in Doha, dampness in the summer is usually above 60%. Nonetheless, we also increase humidity when we cook, bathe, and even breathe. To keep the levels just right, you should invest in a dehumidifier. 

This gadget absorbs the air and drains it of humidity through coils. Then, the air is let back into the room, and you can feel that it’s much easier to breathe and think in a drier environment.

Many A/C units also have a dehumidifying option; however, this will not bring down the temperature. Therefore, we recommend having both the A/C and the dehumidifier.

Every store that offers electronic devices in Qatar usually has dehumidifiers. For example, FNAC Qatar has stores in Doha Festival City and Lagoona Mall. Furthermore, Carrefour has great deals on gadgets, and you can order online if you don’t want to carry them around Doha.  

Weather stripping and caulk seal any gaps in the windows or doors, preventing heat from coming in. Stripping is usually made of foam and can be used on movable parts of windows and doors, while caulk is typically made of silicone and used on non-moveable parts.

Simply cover any gaps that you see in these areas, and you will notice that the air inside your home is less humid and cooler. This is also a great way to reduce your electricity bills, as the A/C will need less energy to keep the temperature ideal.