Oftentimes, we pay attention to temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you think. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. However, it is recommended that your home holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The air inside your home 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 influence humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one location might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in place 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 offer 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 cause your skin to be itchy and cold and end with sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity is enhanced, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture impacts the wood around your home, creating 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?
Fortunately, there are solutions out there 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 to help improve the situation.
If you see any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, Knoechel Heating Company can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 724-425-5852. Our experts will answer your questions and help you identify next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.