Typically, we key in 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. Nevertheless, it is recommended that your home holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The air inside your home 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 actually felt it, you’ve likely at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one region might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in place with more humidity. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. If there is too much humidity, it makes it difficult 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 sustain comfort levels, which could also result in 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 develop sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity goes up as well, so you’ll notice that touching some items such as doorknobs will give you a little shock.
Lack of moisture impacts the wood within your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, increasing your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are options to help you assess and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you measure the air in your home so you can see what the humidity levels are inside. 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 an expert to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can help. You can schedule an appointment by reaching us at 847-362-0262. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.