Usually, we key in 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 narrow in on the weather outside. However, it is recommended that your home holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The indoor air is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What happens when a home has 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 effect humidity can have on how hot it feels outside. An 80-degree day in one region might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in an environment 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 maintain your home comfort, which could provide you with 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 end with sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity increases too, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture impacts 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, enhancing your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
However, there are options to help you watch 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 see any of the warning signs listed above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 801-305-4777. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you understand next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.