The humidity level inside a home has a direct impact on the comfort and health of the occupants, but it also affects heating and cooling energy consumption and the longevity of the structure itself. Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor or moisture in the air. The absolute humidity level, or the exact measurement of the moisture in the air, is what affects health, energy costs and the building. Relative humidity, or how humid the air feels, influences comfort. Warm air can hold more moisture than cool air, which is why humidity makes life less comfortable in hot weather.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping home humidity levels between 35 and 45 percent. To maintain this ideal range in our subtropical climate, homeowners often have to combat excess humidity in the summer. The opposite occurs in the winter when outdoor humidity levels and temperatures drop.
An inexpensive device called a hygrometer can help you determine if your home humidity levels are within the recommended range. Hygrometers are somewhat similar to thermometers, but they measure the air’s moisture content rather than the temperature. High and low home humidity levels present different challenges, but there are effective solutions for both problems.
The Effects of High Humidity on You and Your Home
As the weather warms up and outdoor temperatures rise, high humidity becomes an issue. Air entering through windows, doors, air leaks and vents can increase home humidity levels, but normal daily activities such as cooking, bathing, showering and running a dishwasher or clothes dryer also contribute moisture to the air.
When humidity becomes excessive, condensation forms on the windows, and the dampness stains the ceilings and walls. Mold grows in moisture-prone areas such as the bathrooms, and musty odors pervade the house. Over time, too much humidity can rot woodwork and trim, warp and buckle wood floors, cause paint to peel and decay the structure of a home.
You can feel the effects of high home humidity levels in other ways, including:
- Less comfort – When perspiration can’t evaporate from your skin due to humidity in the air, you’ll feel sticky and hot.
- Health issues – High humidity makes breathing difficult for those with respiratory problems, heart conditions, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or asthma. Warmth and moisture are ideal conditions for the growth of mold, dust mites and insects, which can trigger or worsen allergic reactions.
- Higher energy bills — The cooling system works harder and consumes more energy when it’s excessively humid.
How to Address High Indoor Humidity
There are lots of effective ways to take control of high home humidity levels:
- Seal and insulate ductwork to stop moisture infiltration from unconditioned areas.
- Make sure the clothes dryer is properly vented to the outdoors.
- Install vented kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
- Have the cooling system assessed by an HVAC contractor to ensure it’s sized correctly. When replacing older equipment, consider upgrading to a variable speed air handler to help control humidity.
- Install a whole-house dehumidifier to boost moisture control and lessen the workload on the air conditioner or heat pump.
- Keep the HVAC system’s drain line clean and free of obstructions.
- Add attic ventilation to control humidity and reduce the risk of structural damage from condensation.
How Low Humidity Impacts You and Your Home
When outdoor humidity levels fall during the winter months, the amount of moisture in your indoor air drops as well. Dry indoor air can lead to discomfort, increased energy costs, and health problems.
- When indoor humidity dips below 30 percent, it can impact your health and well-being. Some of the negative effects of dry indoor air include chapped skin and lips, throat and nasal irritation, and an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections and colds.
- Without adequate moisture in the air, it’s difficult to stay comfortably warm. You’ll have to turn up the thermostat more often, which means higher energy consumption and an increased workload on your heating equipment.
- If the indoor humidity stays too low for an extended period, your home and furnishings will feel the effects. Static electricity develops, wood molding, trim and floors shrink and separate, wallpaper dries out and begins to peel, and cracks appear on furniture.
The most effective way to compensate for a lack moisture in your home during the winter to have a humidifier added to your heating and cooling system by a knowledgeable HVAC professional.
To learn more about what home humidity levels mean to your comfort and energy savings in the Wichita Falls area, contact us today at James Lane Air Conditioning & Plumbing Co.
