Oftentimes, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment 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 recommended that your home 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 occurs when a home has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually felt 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 location might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in an environment with increased 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 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 harmful 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 can harm the wood within your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are solutions out there to help you assess and manage 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 challenges 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 listed above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Integrity AC & Heating LLC can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 602-971-0567. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.