Did you know that having a whole-house humidifier can help you feel like it’s warmer even when it’s not? That’s a great thing if you’re wanting to save money on your electric bill every month.
If you have concerns about whether or not your home humidity is at a good level, you’re not alone. It can be hard to figure out what the right number is, especially when different people may have different opinions!
What is the best humidity level for the home? How can you make sure that your humidity level is consistent?
Keep reading to learn more about humidity in your home and what you should know.
How Does Humidity Impact Your Comfort?
It’s not comfortable when it’s too humid or when it’s not humid enough, just like it’s not comfortable when your thermostat is set at the wrong temperature.
The reason for this is that human skin uses the surrounding air to get rid of moisture (sweat) on your body. If the humidity is too high, the air won’t accept this additional moisture; if the humidity is too low, the air takes too much of that moisture. Wrong moisture levels will make it less enjoyable to be in your home, make it harder for you to sleep, and could lead to skin or respiratory concerns.
There are two different things to consider when you’re thinking about the overall humidity levels of a home: absolute humidity and relative humidity.
Absolute humidity is the amount of mass that the moisture has in your air. It’s the actual amount of water in that air.
Relative humidity is how much moisture is in the air compared to how much there possibly could be. If you’re reading humidity at 55%, for example, that means that your air is 55% as moist as it can be.
The relative humidity that you have inside your house should ascend or descend with the outside absolute humidity levels to keep you at the most comfortable point possible.
What Do Most People Set Their Humidity Levels To?
Although it’s not a perfect answer, the ideal humidity level is going to depend on different factors, like what your family prefers, what time of year it is, what type of clothing you have on, and more.
For most people, the recommended humidity in your home would be right around 50%, but below 50%-60% to discourage the growth of bacteria or mold.
As the temperature outside changes, the humidity levels inside should change also due to the changes in moisture levels that are already occurring.
The air naturally has more water in it during the summer months and less during the winter months. The key is to base your indoor humidity levels on the temperature outside to make sure that your air is consistent and comfortable for everyone.
How to Figure Out Your Ideal Home Humidity Level
While it may not be something that you think of as often as temperature, home humidity levels play a big role in keeping your home comfy. In addition to that, keeping your home at the wrong humidity levels can impact the structure itself and lead to more issues later on.
If you’re in need of HVAC services and live in the Woodstock, Canton, Kennesaw, or Acworth areas, R & R Heating and Air is here to help you. We offer installation, servicing, and repair of your HVAC systems, but we can also assist you with ductwork or insulation concerns.
If you want to get some help figuring out how to keep your home comfortable in the summer or winter months, give us a call or contact us online today.
