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 narrow in on the weather outside. But, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space 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 takes place when your indoor air has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t been in the situation, you’ve likely at least heard about the effect 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 an environment with more humidity. This can happen in your house, too. If there is too much humidity, it makes it difficult 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 also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable implications inside the home. Dry air can cause your skin to be itchy and cold and end with 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 throughout your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you watch and control 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 difficulties 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 mentioned above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help. You can arrange an appointment by contacting us at 303-452-4146. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.