Typically, we focus on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than you think. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. Nevertheless, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space maintains 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 occurs when a home has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t actually felt it, you have probably at least heard about the effect 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 a spot 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 could set your thermostat at a higher temp and still feel comfortable, which could provide you with energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might provide a break outdoors, too little humidity also has negative implications inside the home. Dry air can cause your skin to be itchy and cold and result in 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 can harm 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, heightening your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
However, there are solutions out there to help you watch and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge the air in your home to see what levels you are coming in at. 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 mentioned above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, KDM Service Corporation can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 205-208-8090. Our experts will answer your questions and help you determine next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.