Maintaining the ideal indoor air humidity should be a priority for every homeowner, no matter what part of the country you live in. Indoor air that is too humid or too dry can have negative effects on your health, comfort, and the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning unit. Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor present in air, expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. As temperatures go up or down, the capacity of the air to hold water changes. It can be difficult to manage the indoor air humidity throughout the seasons, so here are some tips from the heating and air experts at Quality Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Low Humidity
Colder air holds less water and is, therefore, more dry and has low relative humidity. A humidity level of 45%-55% is recommended to manage health effects and illnesses so a level under 45% is considered low. Here are some negative effects of low humidity:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Static electricity
- Susceptibility to colds and other respiratory illnesses
- Viruses and germs thrive
- Damage to wood furniture and floors
The best way to combat low humidity in your home is to use humidifiers regularly. Humidifiers are great to clear your sinuses, reduce the risk of infections, keep your skin moist, relieve snoring and sore throats, and help improve sleep.
High Humidity
High humidity in the home occurs most often in summer months when the air is warm and holds more water. A humidity level over 55% can be uncomfortable and can have adverse effects on your health and home including:
- Mold growth
- Wet insulation
- Wood rot
- Muggy conditions
- Sleep discomfort
To reduce the humidity in your home, you should stop using humidifiers and invest instead in dehumidifiers. You can also change your HVAC filters routinely, install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms, and use an air conditioner to circulate cooler, dry air throughout your home.
If you are having trouble managing the humidity levels in your Indiana home throughout the year, contact Quality Plumbing & Heating today at (765) 450-4008. We can assess whether you need a whole house humidification system, and ensure that your heating and air systems are running efficiently and effectively.
Sources:
ashrae.org