Typically, we focus on temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than you might believe. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. But, it is recommended that your home maintains 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 actually felt it, you have probably at least heard about the influence 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 an environment with more humidity. The same thing can happen in your home. If there is too much humidity, it makes it difficult 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 be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable implications inside the home. Dry air can cause your skin to be itchy and cold 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 impacts the wood throughout your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, heightening your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you monitor and adjust humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you measure the air in your home to understand humidity levels. And if you are having difficulties getting in the 30 to 50 percent range for humidity, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help improve the situation.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want an expert to come out and review the humidity in your home, JTech Mechanical can help. You can arrange an appointment by reaching us at 281-231-8768. Our experts will answer your questions and help you determine next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.