Typically, we pay attention to temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than you think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. But, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The indoor air is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What happens 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 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 a spot with more humidity. The same thing can happen in your home. If there is too much humidity, it more challenging for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you might have the ability to set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, which could provide you with energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful 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 increases too, 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 floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you monitor and adjust humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge 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 experience any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want an expert to come out and review the humidity in your home, H & H Service Company can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 717-220-4502. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.