Typically, we key in on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment 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. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to make sure your house holds a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What do those levels mean? The air inside your home 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 actually felt it, you have probably 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 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 still feel comfortable, which could provide you with 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 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 find yourself getting hit with little shocks every time you touch a doorknob.
Lack of moisture takes a toll on the wood within your home, creating cracking and shrinking in your furniture, trim and even floors. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, heightening your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are options to help you assess and adjust humidity levels in the home. A smart thermostat can help you gauge the air in your home to understand humidity levels. And if you are having trouble 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 listed above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, AZ Air Conditioning and Heating can help. You can book an appointment by contacting us at 800-296-5088. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you understand next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.