Typically, we focus on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you might believe. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. But, it is encouraged to make sure your house maintains a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The air inside your home 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 actually felt it, chances are you have at least heard about the impact 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 a spot with increased humidity. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. If there is too much humidity, it more challenging 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 also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful 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 is enhanced, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood around your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim 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?
However, there are solutions out there to help you monitor and manage 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 challenges 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 mentioned above, or if you want an expert to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc can help. You can book an appointment by reaching us at (815)914-6197. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you determine next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.