How’s your indoor air quality? Some days it might feel like your indoor humidity is higher than the outdoor humidity and vice versa. Isn’t there a happy medium? There is an ideal range for indoor humidity levels. Here’s what you need to know.
The Ideal Range
The ideal indoor relative humidity for most homes is between 30% and 50%. Relative humidity measures how much water vapor is in the air, and the measurement shows as a percentage. For example, 100% would be the point where there is enough moisture for dew to form, and at 0% the air is totally dry. When your home is in the ideal range, you’ll feel the most comfortable.
When There’s Too Much Moisture
When the humidity in your house goes over 50%, a few things that can happen. First, you’re at a higher risk of experiencing mold growth in your home. Mold loves warm, humid environments, and when the humidity goes up, so does the potential for mold to take hold. With high moisture levels, you’ll also have a more challenging time keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, especially in the summer.
When There’s Too Little Moisture
While too much humidity is a problem, so is too little. Dry air can lead to dry skin, sinuses, eyes, hair, and an irritated respiratory system. It’s also bad for your home and belongings. Too little humidity might cause wood to crack and warp and can affect the structural integrity of your house, as well as making it hard to keep your home feeling warm in the winter.
If you think the humidity in your home is too high or too low, there are some easy solutions that you can incorporate into your existing HVAC system. Contact G+S Heating and Air to find out what can help improve your indoor air quality.
