Usually, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than you think. Usually 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 maintains a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The indoor air 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 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 an environment with heightened 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 maintain your home comfort, which could also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable 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 experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood around your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your trim, floors 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 assess 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 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 qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Forster Heating can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 530-885-8081. Our experts will review your challenges and help you identify next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.