Typically, we pay attention to temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels in your home play a bigger role than you might believe. Usually when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? 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, chances are you have at least heard about the influence humidity can have on how hot it feels outside. An 80-degree day in one area might feel cooler than an 80-degree day in a spot with increased humidity. This can happen in your house, too. 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 sustain comfort levels, 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 make your skin feel cold and itchy and end with 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 can harm the wood within 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 getting a cold.
What can you do?
However, there are steps to help you watch and manage 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 stated above, or if you want a professional to come out and review the humidity in your home, The Frazier Company can help. You can book an appointment by calling us at 402-628-0206. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.