Oftentimes, we key in on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than most people think. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The air in your house 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, you’ve likely at least heard about the effect humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with heightened 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 might have the ability to set your thermostat at a higher temp and still feel comfortable, which could offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful implications inside the home. Dry air can trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and result in sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity is enhanced, 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 throughout your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, increasing your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
However, there are solutions out there to help you assess and control humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you measure the air in your home to see what levels you are coming in at. 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 an expert to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning can help. You can book an appointment by calling us at 209-257-3156. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you identify next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.