Humidity 101: Everything You Need to Know

What Should Homeowners Know About Humidity?

When designing an HVAC system, more is taken into account than simply installing a system large enough to heat and cool a space. Contractors should consider other aspects of indoor comfort, like dust and humidity. When these get out of control, the indoor air quality in a home is poor, even if the temperature is perfect. 

This article focuses on dealing with humidity in the home. When humidity isn’t at the proper levels, it can undermine the objectives of keeping the home comfortable. While most homes are designed to keep humidity levels in the proper range, there are circumstances where owners will need to intervene. Here is a guide for understanding humidity and controlling it in the home. 

Why Does Humidity Matter? 

Humans are some of the most widely adapted creatures, but that doesn’t mean we thrive in every situation. We evolved in the wild, not in the cloistered and controlled environments we enjoy today, but dealing with the air in our modern-day caves requires some knowledge to maximize health and comfort. 

Humidity is a measurement of the amount of evaporated water in the air. It is expressed as a percentage, and the optimal level is around 40-60%. When humidity is too low, the air feels dry, and the skin will suffer. Lung health will drop as the mucous membranes are robbed of moisture. When humidity is high, the temperature will be perceived as higher than it is, and the growth of mold and bacteria will be encouraged. 

There are likely times when humidity levels in every home fall outside the perfect range. Luckily, humidity can be easily handled to keep the levels stable. 

Strategies for Humidifiers 

When humidity levels are too low, adding moisture to the air can be done with humidifiers. Humidifiers can be installed as portable units, but whole-home humidifiers can also be utilized. Some of the signs that a home may benefit from a humidifier are: 

• Dry nasal passages 
• Dry, itchy eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Asthma or allergy complications
• Static buildup on fabrics
• Shrinking wood furniture

Installing humidifiers is easy. The best strategy is to start in bedrooms so people can rest easily with high-quality air after they fall asleep. Usually, several portable humidifiers will be needed to boost humidity in the home. However, these can be inconvenient. For an easy solution, look into whole-home units. 

Reasons to Install a Dehumidifier 

Dry air is irritating, but humid air can be dangerous. People are reminded of this every summer when they hear about soaring heat indexes. This is an important concept to understand in the home since a home with high humidity will feel warmer than it is. Installing a dehumidifier can help handle problems like: 

• Visible mold growth
• Condensation
• High cooling bills
• Musty odors in the home
• Damp rooms or basements 

If these symptoms are a problem, then a dehumidifier can help. Find a local, reliable HVAC technician for advice about whole-home dehumidifiers. 

About AirLux Heating & Cooling

AirLux Heating & Cooling handles indoor air quality for local families. Whether humidity is a problem or air filtration systems are needed, families trust the AirLux Heating & Cooling experts. Call today for HVAC service in Niles, MI. 

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