Usually, we pay attention to temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than you think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. Nevertheless, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The air inside your home 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, 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 place 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 still feel comfortable, which could offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has negative 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 is enhanced, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood throughout your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. 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?
Fortunately, 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 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 that can provide additional support.
If you see any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Pliescott HVAC Services LLC can help. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 410-228-4822. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.