With the humidity of the summer months upon us, it's a good time to consider the best ways to protect your home from moisture. Excessive amounts of moisture inside a home could lead to mold, which can cause health problems and may be difficult to remove.

Take a few minutes to review the following tips to help protect your home from moisture this summer:

• Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees, the optimal setting to maximize energy efficiency and to control moisture. If you set it higher, the air conditioner won't run often enough to dehumidify your air. If you set it too low, surfaces will become cold enough to create condensation.

• Leave windows and doors closed while the air conditioner is on. Keeping them open could cause condensation, as the humid outside air is introduced into a much colder environment.

• If you have an older air conditioning unit, consider supplementing it with a dehumidifier. Together, they should be able to remove an adequate amount of moisture.

If you suspect you have a moisture problem, it is a good idea to invest in a humidity monitor that will help you get a read on any potential issues before they develop.