Usually, we focus on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than most people think. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to make sure your house holds 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 your indoor air has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t been in the situation, chances are you have at least heard about the impact 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 increased humidity. The same thing can happen in your home. If there is too much humidity, it is harder for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you could set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, which could offer 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 cause your skin to be itchy and cold and develop sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity increases too, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood throughout your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, heightening your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you assess and control 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 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 mentioned above, or if you want a professional to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Appalachian Heating can help. You can schedule an appointment by reaching us at 304-707-0600. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.