Poor Indoor Humidity
Arlington, TX – Living in the south, humidity is something that we can all relate to. Not only can humidity be extremely uncomfortable, but it also can have a major impact on your health. One of the worst things about humidity is the fact that it makes the heat feel even greater than it is. Humidity can make you lazy, cranky, and make you want to just scream. It is always wise to keep humidity levels in check indoors and understanding what the best humidity levels are for the indoors.
Humidity Explained
Humidity is the measurement of the amount of water vapor that is in the surrounding air. Ideally, you should keep indoor humidity anywhere between thirty to fifty percent.
If the indoor humidity is too high, it can have a major impact on not only your comfort and health but also your home and furniture. About our health first, when the humidity is too high, our bodies will not be able to regulate the internal temperature optimally.
This high humidity can also make you sick. When moisture is too high in an area, it can cause exponential growth of fungus, mold, and dust mites. If you or a family member has asthma or allergies, then you already know what a nightmare this can be.
Not only will this make you sick, but it will deteriorate your home and bring about major damage in the long run that will be pricey. The excessive moisture will cause wood to rot. Rotting wood will also attract pests such as insects and rodents.
When the excessive moisture gets into the wood it initially will cause it to swell and warp. If your wooden doors are not properly sealed, then you could find yourself stuck in the room if the door swells enough.
What about Low Humidity?
If there is extraordinarily little moisture in the air, it too can be just as bad with your comfort, health, and home. Dry air will in turn dries out your skin and will make you itchy. It will also dry out your sinuses which can lead to a sore throat. Additionally, dry air will chap lips, increase coughing, and other breathing problems.
With regards to the home, dry air can cause wood to shrink, crack, and warp. If you notice any cracks around door and window frames or decorative wood trim, then the indoor humidity in your home is too low. Floors will also moan and creak more often, which not only can be frightening but also very costly as the wood begins to separate.
Do You Have Ideal Indoor Humidity?
Determining whether you have the right amount of indoor humidity will take a bit of work and experimentation. As stated above, ideally indoor moisture levels should be between 30 – 50%. You could easily find out what your indoor humidity is by checking your thermostat if it has that option or purchasing one yourself to check your home’s humidity.
If your indoor humidity is already in between 30 – 50%, then you may need to experiment with those numbers to find out which one is the most ideal for you. If its below 30% then you may want to investigate purchasing a humidifier. However, if the levels are above 50% then you may consider purchasing a whole-house dehumidifier.
Symptoms of Low or High Indoor Humidity
You are unable to get a good night’s rest.
- Too much humidity will increase the workload on your body to evaporate sweat to keep itself cooled.
- Too little humidity will result in difficulty breathing in air which can irritate your throat and lead to coughing.
If you find yourself sweating all the time while indoors even when the temperature should be cool enough, then the indoor humidity is too high.
Do you have a hard time breathing indoors sometimes? High humidity often exacerbates asthma systems such as tightness in the chest and wheezing. On the other hand, if the humidity is too low, it too can lead to respiratory issues.
If you find that your home’s indoor humidity is too high or too low and you need help, then do not hesitate to give us a call. We will be more than happy to assist you and schedule a visit at your earliest convenience to determine the best solution for you and your home.
