Usually, 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 think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The indoor air 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 experienced it, you’ve likely at least heard about the effect humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one region might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in place with heightened humidity. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. If there is too much humidity, it is harder for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you might have the ability to set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, which could also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has negative implications inside the home. Dry air can trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and result in sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity is enhanced, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood around your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your trim, floors and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are steps to help you monitor and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you assess 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 see any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Air Service Co. can help. You can book an appointment by reaching us at 918-212-8943. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.