Oftentimes, we key in on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than most people think. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. However, it is recommended that your home has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The air in your house is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What takes place when a home has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually felt it, you have probably at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how the temperatures feel 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 is harder for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you could set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, 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 cause your skin to be itchy and cold and develop sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity is enhanced, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood around 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 coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are steps to help you monitor and adjust 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 an expert to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, H&C Heating and Cooling can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 301-960-3247. Our experts will answer your questions and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.