(NewsUSA) - Too much moisture in the hot summer air can turn your home into a steam bath. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the ideal relative humidity range for the home is between 35 percent and 50 percent.

How can homeowners efficiently accomplish this? One popular option is a portable dehumidifier, which by definition only addresses a small area of the home. However, these products can be high-maintenance, noisy and intrusive to the living space.

A more effective tool for the job may be a whole-home dehumidifier, like Aprilaire's Model 1700, which is designed to work in conjunction with an existing central cooling system.

With no messy tanks to maintain, whole-home dehumidifiers require little maintenance. They are inconspicuous and work silently to maintain the optimum humidity level automatically. And because dehumidified air feels cooler, homeowners can set their thermostats higher.

Some people try to use their air conditioner to remove humidity. But according to experts, homeowners should never lower the thermostat temperature in an attempt to control humidity.

Setting the thermostat temperature lower can actually work against the goal of reducing moisture in the home. Over-cooling raises the indoor relative humidity and decreases the temperature of the walls, floors and ceilings, increasing the potential for condensation. Also, many air conditioners will cycle on and off too quickly to eliminate moisture.

In addition to a whole-home dehumidifier, homeowners can further reduce moisture in the home with the following tips:

* Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. Use covers to keep leaves and sticks from building up.

* Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers and stoves, to the outside.

* Use downspout extenders that carry water at least 6 feet away from the foundation.

* Seal unwanted air leaks around holes for plumbing and wiring. This is where humid outside air sneaks into the home.

For more information on whole-home dehumidifiers, visit www.aprilaire.com.