Typically, we focus on temperatures when considering 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 jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The air inside your home is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What happens when a home has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually felt it, chances are you have at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with heightened humidity. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. If there is too much humidity, it more challenging 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 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 find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood within your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
However, there are steps to help you assess and adjust 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 to help improve the situation.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if you want an expert to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Dave's Diversified Services can help. You can book an appointment by calling us at 540-636-3396. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.