Usually, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house 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. But, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space maintains a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The indoor air is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What occurs when you have too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually felt it, you’ve likely 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 an environment with heightened 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 still feel comfortable, which could offer 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 cause your skin to be itchy and cold and end with sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity increases too, so you’ll notice that touching some items such as doorknobs will give you a little shock.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood within 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 coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are steps to help you assess and control 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 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 review the humidity in your home, Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 402-509-5940. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.