Typically, we pay attention to temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than you think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. But, it is recommended that your home has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The indoor air 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, chances are you have at least heard about the influence 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 place with increased 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 also result in 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 make your skin feel cold and itchy and end with sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity goes up as well, so you’ll notice that touching some items such as doorknobs will give you a little shock.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood within your home, causing 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 so you can see what the humidity levels are inside. 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 stated above, or if you want an expert to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, AW Heating & Air Conditioning can help. You can book an appointment by contacting us at 402-438-7992. Our experts will review your challenges and help you understand next steps for achieving the best humidity level for your home comfort.