Usually, we key in on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than most people think. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. However, it is encouraged to make sure your house holds 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 takes place when a home 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 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 a spot with more humidity. This can happen in your house, too. If there is too much humidity, it makes it difficult 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 still feel comfortable, which could also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable implications inside the home. Dry air can make your skin feel cold and itchy and develop sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity goes up as well, so you’ll notice that touching some items such as doorknobs will give you a little shock.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood throughout your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your trim, floors and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, increasing 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 gauge the air in your home so you can see what the humidity levels are inside. And if you are having challenges getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help improve the situation.
If you experience any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can help. You can book an appointment by contacting us at 602-832-7808. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.