Usually, we key in on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than you might believe. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. But, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The air in your house is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What happens when your indoor air has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually 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 region might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with heightened humidity. This can happen in your house, too. If there is too much humidity, it is harder for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you could set your thermostat at a higher temp and still feel comfortable, which could also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable implications inside the home. Dry air can trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and end with sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity goes up as well, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture impacts 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, increasing your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you watch and control humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge the air in your home to see what levels you are coming in at. And if you are having trouble getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers that can provide additional support.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want an expert to come out and review the humidity in your home, Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 251-471-2674. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.