Oftentimes, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than you might believe. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. However, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space has 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 happens when you have too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t been in the situation, you have probably at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how hot the weather feels. An 80-degree day in one region 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 more challenging 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 maintain your home comfort, 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 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 around your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, increasing your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
However, there are solutions out there to help you monitor and control humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you assess 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 to help improve the situation.
If you experience any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 803-265-4208. Our experts will review your challenges and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.