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. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. Nevertheless, it is recommended that your home 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 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 impact humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one location 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 might have the ability 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 notice that touching some items such as doorknobs will give you a little shock.
Lack of moisture impacts the wood around your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, increasing your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are solutions out there to help you assess and adjust humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge the air in your home to see what levels you are coming in at. And if you are having difficulties 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 stated above, or if you want a professional to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 863-216-2923. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you identify next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.