Typically, we pay attention to temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than you think. Generally 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 has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The indoor air is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What takes place when your indoor air 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 influence 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. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. If there is too much humidity, it is harder 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 offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful 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 is enhanced, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood throughout your home, initiating 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?
Luckily, 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 trouble 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 experience any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, Stanford Heating & Cooling can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 812-825-8695. Our experts will review your challenges and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.