When you want to get comfortable, chances are you fiddle with the thermostat until you find just the right setting. But there’s another variable that can affect your overall comfort: humidity. Finding the right home humidity level can have a tremendous impact on how you feel.
Humidity’s Role in Home Comfort
When we talk about “humidity,” we’re referring to the amount of moisture that’s presently in the air we breathe. Having too much of that moisture in your home’s air can cause issues, from excess condensation on windows and metal surfaces to mold and mildew growth.
Too much humidity can even disrupt your body’s natural means of keeping cool. Ever wonder why you sometimes feel clammy and uncomfortable in muggy weather? That’s because your body relies on sweat to keep cool. In high-humidity areas, the sweat is unable to evaporate from your skin, resulting in that gross, clammy feeling.
Too little humidity, on the other hand, can leave your skin feeling overly dry and even cause throat and eye irritation. Overly dry air can also cause wood furniture and flooring to crack and split.
The Ideal Humidity Level
The ideal humidity level varies from home to home – and even among family members. Some may find their home a bit too humid for their liking while others find it just right.
Nevertheless, most experts agree that the ideal humidity is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent. Those levels may be a bit lower during the winter and a bit higher during the summer. Optimal humidity levels can also vary based on regional climates.
How to Measure Your Home Humidity Level
If you want an exact read of your current home humidity level, then a hygrometer can point you in the right direction. There are many different types, including mechanical and digital versions, but each one accurately senses the amount of moisture present in your home.
For the most accurate reading, place several hygrometers throughout your home, preferably in each room. This covers variations that can happen from room to room, especially in basements.
Ways to Adjust Home Humidity Levels
Replacing your old air conditioner with a modern, energy-efficient unit can help reduce high humidity levels. Older units not only lose their efficiency as time goes on, but they’re no longer as effective at removing humidity.
You can also use a room dehumidifier to lower humidity levels in a specific room. If you’re still struggling with high humidity throughout the house, then you may need to add a whole-house dehumidifier to your existing HVAC system.
On the flip side, a humidifier can help add more moisture to dry air. If you’re constantly suffering with dry air during the winter months, switching to radiant heat can help prevent moisture loss.
