Oftentimes, we pay attention to temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than you think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. However, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The indoor air is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What takes place when you have too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually felt it, you have probably at least heard about the effect humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. 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 may be able 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 negative implications inside the home. Dry air can cause your skin to be itchy and cold and result in sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity is enhanced, 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, creating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. 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 control 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 trouble getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers that can provide additional support.
If you experience any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, Comfort Zone, LLC can help. You can book an appointment by reaching us at 239-214-0411. Our experts will review your challenges and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.