Oftentimes, we pay attention to temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home 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. Nevertheless, it is recommended that your home holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The air in your house 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, 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 location 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 might have the ability to set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, which could offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful implications inside the home. Dry air can cause your skin to be itchy and cold and develop 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 within your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your trim, floors and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, heightening your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you monitor and adjust humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you assess the air in your home to see what levels you are coming in at. And if you are having trouble getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers that can provide additional support.
If you experience any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want an expert to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can help. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 334-524-2458. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you determine next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.