Typically, we pay attention to temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you think. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. However, 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 experienced it, you have probably at least heard about the effect 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. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. If there is too much humidity, it makes it difficult 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 offer 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 trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and develop 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 takes a toll on the wood within your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. 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?
However, there are steps to help you watch and control humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge the air in your home to understand humidity levels. And if you are having difficulties 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 experience any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 614-451-0846. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.