Oftentimes, we key in on temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than most people think. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. But, it is recommended that your home maintains 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 happens when a home has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually felt it, chances are you have at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how hot it feels outside. An 80-degree day in one location might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in place with heightened humidity. This can happen in your house, too. If there is too much humidity, it more challenging 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 provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable 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 goes up as well, 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 within your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your trim, floors and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, heightening your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
However, there are options to help you watch and adjust humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge the air in your home to understand humidity levels. And if you are having challenges getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help improve the situation.
If you experience 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, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 641-628-3621. Our experts will answer your questions and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.