Oftentimes, we pay attention to temperatures as it relates to home comfort, but the humidity levels within your indoor environment play a bigger role than most people think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. However, 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 your indoor air has too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t experienced it, you’ve likely 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. The same thing can happen in your home. 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 offer energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might feel good 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 is enhanced, 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 throughout 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 coming down with colds or having breathing difficulties.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are options to help you watch and adjust 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 trouble 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 are noticing any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and review the humidity in your home, Airmax Long Island Inc can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 631-737-5566. Our experts will listen to your concerns and help you understand next steps for attaining the best humidity level for your home comfort.