Texas weather this time of year can be fickle. A pleasant 70 degrees one day, a balmy 85 the next, and a chilly 50 degrees the day after that. It’s enough to drive you crazy, and make staying comfortable a challenge to say the least. Yet the temperature isn’t the only factor that plays a significant role in how we feel indoor Humidity does as well.
You see, the level of moisture in the air, or humidity, can impact everything from your comfort and health to the longevity of your home and possessions. Here’s why your home’s humidity level is important and how to keep it under control.
Health and Comfort
Humidity levels affect our respiratory health and overall comfort. When the air is too dry, it can irritate your throat, nose, and skin, leading to dry skin, nasal congestion, and even worsen conditions like asthma and allergies. On the other hand, high humidity can make the air feel sticky and uncomfortable, leading to sweating and making it harder for your body to cool down. A balanced level of humidity—ideally between 30% and 50%—helps your body regulate temperature and prevents irritation.
Protecting Your Home and Belongings
Humidity plays a role in preserving your home and possessions. Excess moisture in the air can cause wood furniture, floors, and doors to warp or rot. It can also lead to mold growth, which can damage your walls, ceilings, and belongings. High humidity can also promote rusting on metal fixtures and appliances. Conversely, when the air is too dry, it can cause wood to crack, paint to peel, and cause sensitive electronic equipment to accumulate static electricity.
Energy Efficiency
Proper humidity control can even affect your energy bills. High humidity makes the air feel warmer, causing you to crank up the air conditioning in an effort to cool down. By managing humidity, you can maintain a comfortable temperature and potentially lower your cooling costs. Similarly, too much moisture in the air can overwork your HVAC system as it tries to regulate both temperature and moisture levels.
How to Keep Indoor Humidity in Check
- Monitor Humidity Levels: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity. This simple tool measures the moisture content in the air and can help you adjust humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed.
- Ventilate Your Home: Proper ventilation is key to controlling indoor humidity. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to remove excess moisture from cooking, showering, and drying clothes. Open windows when possible to allow fresh air to circulate, especially on milder days.
- Invest in a Humidity Control System: A whole-house humidity control system is a great tool for adding moisture to the air. It allows you to reduce or increase the amount of moisture in the air depending upon your needs and the time of year so you can maintain an ideal indoor humidity level.
At Optimum Air, we offer a variety of indoor comfort solutions, including humidity control. Contact us today to find out how we can help you create a healthier and more comfortable living environment year-round.