You have probably heard about how low humidity can impact your health, but too much humidity may also affect it. It is important to monitor humidity levels to avoid health issues. Controlling humidity levels also helps your HVAC unit run more efficiently.
Why Humidity Level Matters
Low and high humidity both impact health and homes, but in different ways. High humidity in your home plus high temperatures could interfere with the body’s natural way to cool itself. The body sweats to lower its temperature, and if the body can’t cool off, it may cause a heat stroke.
Low humidity commonly causes dry throats, chapped lips, dry and itchy skin, cracked wood, and static electricity. High humidity increases the chance of mold, which often worsens allergy symptoms, and too much moisture may damage wood and other fixtures.
Measuring Humidity Level in Your Home
There are methods you can use to find the humidity level in your home. Place a few ice cubes in water in a clear glass in any room but the kitchen, and check them in four minutes. Condensation on the glass commonly indicates high humidity levels, and no condensation indicates low humidity. If the home has balanced humidity, it will leave only a slight mist on the glass. Please note, cooking fumes in kitchens may interfere with results.
You may also use a tool called a hygrometer to give you a more accurate measurement of the humidity.
Suggested Humidity Levels by Season
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping humidity levels between 30-50%, but this varies between households and seasons. In the winter, outdoor humidity levels are normally lower, since cooler air contains less water vapor. To avoid skin dehydration, keep the humidity in winter around 40% or less. Boil water to increase humidity, dry laundry indoors, and set a few plants around the house.
In the summer, water vapor increases in the warmer air, which raises humidity. Try to keep the indoor humidity between 35-40% in the warmer months, and use a dehumidifier if needed. Ensure your house has proper ventilation, and operate exhaust fans when humidity runs high.
The wrong-size HVAC unit can also cause problems with humidity. Contact your local home comfort experts at GVEC for suggestions about whether or not the size of your AC/heating unit could be causing humidity level issues in your home. We’re also here for you if you need system repairs or if it’s time to install a new unit. Estimates are free! We have over 50 years of experience and highly skilled technicians to help meet your heating and cooling needs in Gonzales, TX, and the surrounding areas. Call us at 877.466.5506, or fill out a contact form today.
