Usually, we key in on temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than you think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we narrow in on the weather outside. But, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space has 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 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 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 more 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 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 harmful implications inside the home. Dry air can trigger your skin to feel cold and itchy and develop sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity increases too, 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 trim, floors and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, enhancing your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
Luckily, there are options to help you watch and manage 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 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 professional to come out and check out your home’s humidity levels, ACE Solutions can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 201-579-2562. Our experts will review your challenges and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.