Oftentimes, we key in on temperatures when it comes to our home comfort, but the humidity levels inside your house play a bigger role than most people think. Normally when we hear the word humidity, we jump to the idea of undesirable weather outside. But, it is strongly advocated that your indoor space has a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. What exactly does that mean? The indoor air is holding between 30 to 50 percent of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
What occurs when you have too much or too little humidity?
Too Much Humidity
If you haven’t been in the situation, 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. Humidity can impact the temps in your house as well. 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 still feel comfortable, which could also result in energy savings.
Too Little Humidity
While drier air might be a relief outdoors, too little humidity also has harmful 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 notice that touching some items such as doorknobs will give you a little shock.
Lack of moisture impacts the wood around your home, causing cracking and shrinking in your floors, trim and furniture. The dry air also affects your body’s mucous membranes, heightening your risk of getting a cold.
What can you do?
However, there are options to help you monitor and adjust 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 can provide additional support.
If you see any of the warning signs stated above, or if you want a qualified technician to come out and assess the humidity levels in your home, Mayeuxs AC & Heating can help. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at (985) 764-2426. Our experts will answer your questions and help you understand next steps for reaching the best humidity level for your home comfort.