Usually, we key in on 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 think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. But, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space 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, you have probably at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how hot it feels outside. An 80-degree day in one location might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in an environment with more humidity. The same thing can happen in your home. If there is too much humidity, it makes it difficult 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 be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable implications inside the home. Dry air can make your skin feel cold and itchy 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 throughout your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your trim, floors 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?
Fortunately, there are solutions out there to help you watch and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you assess the air in your home so you can see what the humidity levels are inside. 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 see any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, B & G HVAC can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 641-316-3360. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.