Typically, we pay attention to temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than most people think. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. However, it is encouraged to make sure your house holds 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 actually felt it, you have probably at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in place with increased humidity. This can happen in your house, too. If there is too much humidity, it is harder for your body to monitor internal temperatures.
Dehumidified air feels cooler, so you may be able to set your thermostat at a higher temp and sustain comfort levels, which could offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good outdoors, too little humidity also has negative 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 goes up as well, 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 around 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 developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are steps to help you assess and adjust 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 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 assess the humidity levels in your home, CNR Air Conditioning Inc can help. You can arrange an appointment by contacting us at 239-241-5318. Our experts will review your challenges and help you determine next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.