Usually, we focus on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than most people think. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. However, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The indoor air 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, you have probably at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one region might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with heightened 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 may be able 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 provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable 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 experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood within your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. 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?
However, 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 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 see any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, B & B Heating & Cooling can help. You can schedule an appointment by reaching us at 314-325-7552. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.