Usually, we key in on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you might believe. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. However, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space has 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, you have probably at least heard about the effect humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one location might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in an environment with more humidity. This can happen in your house, too. 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 still feel comfortable, which could offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has negative 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 goes up as well, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood within 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 getting a cold.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are solutions out there to help you watch and adjust 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 that can provide additional support.
If you see any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a professional to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help. You can book an appointment by reaching us at 877-389-2465. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.