Typically, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than most people think. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. But, it is encouraged to make sure your house holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The air inside your home is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What happens when your indoor air 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 hot it feels outside. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in an environment with heightened 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 provide you with 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 trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and develop 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 within your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, increasing your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you assess and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge the air in your home so you can see what the humidity levels are inside. 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 see any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Lakeside Heating & Air can help. You can book an appointment by contacting us at 509-284-4265. Our experts will answer your questions and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.