Oftentimes, we pay attention to temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment 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 strongly advocated that your indoor space has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The air in your house is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What happens when a home has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t experienced it, chances are you have at least heard about the effect 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 place with heightened humidity. This can happen in your house, too. 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 sustain comfort levels, which could also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has negative 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 furniture, trim and even floors. 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?
However, there are steps to help you monitor and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge the air in your home to see what levels you are coming in at. 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 stated above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 515-207-6569. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.