If you want to maintain a cool and perfect temperature inside your home, then you will also want to take humidity into account. Humidity inside the home can affect not only your temperature and comfort, but also the indoor air quality and your health. The balance between too much or too little humidity is a fine line. Find the right balance for your home, health, and overall air quality.
What Is Humidity?
Humidity is vaporized water in the air. How much water vapor is in the air at certain temperatures is called relative humidity. When the air has all the water vapor it can hold, it is at 100% humidity. According to experts, the desired level of humidity for comfort is between 20% and 60%. Inside, the recommended humidity level is between 30% and 50%. If the humidity is below or above these recommended levels, it could lead to poor air quality and health concerns.
Humidity and Your Health
Low humidity that is below 20% will cause the air to be dry. It can lead to static electricity, dry, irritated eyes, and dry skin. Without humidity in the air, the dryness can cause mucous membranes to dry up, leading to higher risk of respiratory infections. In summer, its high humidity becomes more problematic. A higher level of humidity poses its own threat to air quality and health and can be caused by poorly functioning air conditioners or inadequate ventilation in the home. This high humidity can then lead to damp air that can cause mold growth in the home. High humidity and mold can cause eye irritation, stuffy nose, wheezing, and can even lead to dangerous lung infections. High humidity also contributes to more dust mites that can significantly affect the health of those with breathing problems such as asthma. And it’s not just your health that can be affected. High humidity can damage furniture, walls, and floors as well.
How to Control Humidity Levels
Maintaining the right humidity level is key to improving air quality in your home. Keep these tips in mind for regulating humidity this summer. You can always open windows for cross ventilation to reduce moisture. A dehumidifier would be recommended to help with humidity levels as well. Furnace filters will keep the dust and other air pollutants out of the home. When you want to ensure the right level of humidity inside your home, you can work hand in hand with HVAC professionals who understand and service the HVAC equipment and will determine your humidity and air quality inside. A system that is well maintained and functioning properly is one that will improve overall air quality inside your home.
For more information about controlling the humidity in your home for the best possible air quality for your health, contact E Dennis for a complete analysis of your HVAC system and needs. Our team of HVAC professionals can help you find the best solutions for improving indoor air quality to ensure you are breathing the very best air possible!
