Usually, we pay attention to temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than most people think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. However, it is recommended that your home holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The air in your house is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What occurs when you have too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t experienced it, you have probably at least heard about the impact 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 increased humidity. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. 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 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 harmful implications inside the home. Dry air can trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy 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 takes a toll on the wood within your home, initiating 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?
Luckily, there are steps to help you watch and manage 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 trouble 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 mentioned above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, Stieferman Heating Company Inc can help. You can schedule an appointment by reaching us at 573-635-3547. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.