Your indoor air quality and the humidity levels within the home are essential. Just like your body, your home needs the right level of humidity in order for those living in the home to be comfortable and avoid potential health problems. The relative humidity in your home is optimal when it is between 30 and 55%. Without sufficient airflow in your home, humidity levels can suffer.
When Humidity Levels are Too High
Humidity within your home is often higher than the relative humidity outside. Activities such as cooking and washing clothes can raise the humidity in your environment. When the air outside has a healthy relative humidity, opening the windows and allowing fresh air to flow in should solve the problem.
When the weather is hot and humid, running a dehumidifier and air conditioner will help keep humidity down. If your humidity gets too high in the home, this encourages the growth of mold and bacteria that is in your home. Poor air quality will result when humidity levels are above optimal levels. You may notice a build-up of moisture on your windows if humidity is extremely high.
If Humidity Levels are Too Low
In a climate where the heating system is turned on frequently, this can deplete the amount of moisture in the air. Even without measuring the humidity levels in the home, you can learn that humidity levels are low if you are suffering from dry skin, a sore throat, chronic nosebleeds, or a build-up of static electricity in the home. A professional can install a whole home humidifier in your home.
Wood furniture and flooring can get damaged in homes with low humidity. This can dry out the wood in your home, causing it to crack. Older homes tend to experience lower humidity levels than newer, more energy-efficient homes.
To learn more about proper humidity in your home, it’s time to call Putnam Mechanical serving the greater Charlotte metro area. We offer heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration services for residential and commercial properties throughout the region.
