Usually, we focus on temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you might believe. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. Nevertheless, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that 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 been in the situation, you’ve likely at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. 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 is harder 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 provide you with 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 trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and develop sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity increases too, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood throughout your home, initiating 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?
However, there are steps to help you assess and adjust 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 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 experience any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, GV Heating & Air can help. You can schedule an appointment by reaching us at 763-535-2000. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.