Typically, we key in on temperatures when considering home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than you think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we think of the impact humidity has when we are outdoors. But, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. How do you measure those levels? The air inside your home 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 experienced it, you’ve likely at least heard about the impact humidity can have on how the temperatures feel outside. An 80-degree day in one location 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 more challenging 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 offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has undesirable implications inside the home. Dry air can cause your skin to be itchy and cold and end with sore throats and chapped lips. The amount of static electricity goes up as well, so you’ll find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture can harm the wood around your home, initiating cracking and shrinking in your trim, floors and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, heightening your risk of developing a cold or breathing challenges.
What can you do?
However, there are steps to help you assess 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 that offer a solution for getting to the right amount of humidity.
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, Woody's Sudden Service Inc can help. You can book an appointment by contacting us at 703-278-2036. Our experts will answer your questions and help you identify next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.