Typically, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than most people think. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. However, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The air in your house is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What takes place when a home 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 effect humidity can have on how hot it feels outside. An 80-degree day in one location might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in an environment with more 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 may be able to set your thermostat at a higher temp and still feel comfortable, which could provide you with energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable 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 is enhanced, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture impacts 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, heightening your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are steps to help you watch and control humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you measure the air in your home to see what levels you are coming in at. 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 are noticing any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a professional to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Cool Air Solutions can help. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 951-299-9853. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.