Oftentimes, we key in on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than you might believe. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. However, it is recommended that your home 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 takes place 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 impact humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with more 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 might have the ability to set your thermostat at a higher temp and maintain your home comfort, which could offer 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 end with 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 can harm the wood throughout 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?
Fortunately, there are steps to help you watch and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge 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 are noticing any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want an expert to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Heartland Heating & Cooling can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 515-344-3579. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.