Oftentimes, we focus on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home 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 recommended that your home has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The air inside your home is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What occurs 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 increased humidity. The same thing can happen in your home. If there is too much humidity, it is harder for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you might have the ability to 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 provide a break 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 goes up as well, so you’ll notice that touching some items such as doorknobs will give you a little shock.
Lack of moisture impacts the wood throughout your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are solutions out there to help you monitor and manage 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 see any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a professional to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 760-784-9034. Our experts will answer your questions and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.