Oftentimes, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than you think. Generally, when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. Nevertheless, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The air inside your home is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What occurs when a home has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t felt it, chances are you have at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with more humidity. This can happen in your house, too. If there is too much humidity, it is more challenging for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you may be able to set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, which could provide you with energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful implications inside the home. Dry air can cause your skin to be itchy and cold and result in sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity goes up as well, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood around your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim, and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
However, there are options to help you assess and control humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you measure the air in your home to see what levels you are coming in at. And if you are having difficulties getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help improve the situation.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Temp Air System Inc. can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you identify the next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.