Usually, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than most people think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. But, it is recommended that your home maintains 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 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 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 place with more humidity. This can happen in your house, too. If there is too much humidity, it more challenging 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 also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has negative implications inside the home. Dry air can make your skin feel cold and itchy and result in 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 within your home, causing 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 steps to help you monitor and adjust 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 trouble 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 qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Wallpe Heating & Cooling can help. You can schedule an appointment by reaching us at 812-663-7252. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.