Usually, we pay attention to temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than you think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. However, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space maintains a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? 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 your indoor air has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t experienced it, you have probably at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one region might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in place with more humidity. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. 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 also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful implications inside the home. Dry air can make your skin feel cold and itchy and develop sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity increases too, 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 within your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you watch and adjust 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 challenges 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 are noticing any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Siloam Springs Heating & AC can help. You can book an appointment by contacting us at 479-308-8176. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.