Oftentimes, we pay attention to temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you might believe. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. However, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The indoor air 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 been in the situation, you have probably at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how hot it feels outside. An 80-degree day in one region 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 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 maintain your home comfort, which could offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful implications inside the home. Dry air can trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and result in sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity increases too, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood around your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you monitor 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 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 are noticing any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 949-317-4175. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.