Typically, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. But, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The air inside your home 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 experienced it, you’ve likely at least heard about the effect humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in an environment with increased 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 sustain comfort levels, 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 end with 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 throughout your home, causing 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 a cold 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 assess 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, some humidifiers and dehumidifiers can provide additional support.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Air Houston Mechanical LLC can help. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (832) 501-3419. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you determine the next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.
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