Oftentimes, we pay attention to temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment 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 holds 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 happens when you have too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t been in the situation, you have probably at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one location might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with increased humidity. This can happen in your house, too. If there is too much humidity, it makes it difficult for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you could set your thermostat at a higher temp and still feel comfortable, which could also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable 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 goes up as well, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
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, heightening your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
However, there are solutions out there to help you assess and control humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you measure the air in your home to understand humidity levels. And if you are having difficulties 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, James Heating & A/C, Inc can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 336-853-6070. Our experts will answer your questions and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.