Typically, we key in on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than most people 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 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 actually felt it, you’ve likely at least heard about the influence 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 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 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 be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful 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 is enhanced, so you’ll notice that touching some items such as doorknobs will give you a little shock.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood within your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, increasing your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
However, there are solutions out there to help you monitor and control 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 to help improve the situation.
If you see any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a professional to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Phelps Heating & Cooling can help. You can arrange an appointment by contacting us at 270-358-3167. Our experts will answer your questions and help you determine next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.