Typically, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than you might believe. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. But, it is recommended that your home has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The indoor air 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 been in the situation, you have probably at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with increased 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 may be able to set your thermostat at a higher temp and sustain comfort levels, 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 cause your skin to be itchy and cold 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 within 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 manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you assess the air in your home to understand humidity levels. And if you are having challenges getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers that offer a solution for getting to the right amount of humidity.
If you see any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want an expert to come out and review the humidity in your home, Air Temperature Control can help. You can schedule an appointment by reaching us at 478-202-3170. Our experts will review your challenges and help you identify next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.