Oftentimes, we focus on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than most people think. Generally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to make sure your house has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The air in your house is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What takes place when a home 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 impact 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 a spot 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 could set your thermostat at a higher temp and still feel comfortable, 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 trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and end with sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity is enhanced, so you’ll experience more shocks when touching doorknobs and other items.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood throughout your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your trim, floors and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, increasing your risk of coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are solutions out there to help you watch and manage humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge 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 that offer a solution for getting to the right amount of humidity.
If you see any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if you want an expert to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc can help. You can arrange an appointment by calling us at 662-281-1231. Our experts will review your challenges and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.