As the mercury starts to inch its way higher and higher, we all start to become a little more conscious of the humidity levels in our homes. High humidity can lead to problems like mold growth, skin irritation, and even respiratory issues.
That being said, there are lots of effective (yet simple) things you can do to keep your home’s humidity levels in check.
Continue reading to learn how you can get healthy humidity levels at home.
Contact the team at Anderson Air if you need assistance with your HVAC systems.
What is a healthy level of humidity at home and why?
When it comes to healthy humidity levels at home, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The ideal humidity level for your property will depend on a number of details, including, the type of property you have, the climate you live in and your personal preferences.
In general, however, most experts agree that a relative humidity level between 30% and 50% is ideal. This range of humidity levels is comfortable for most people and minimizes the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Additionally, maintaining a relative humidity level within this range can help to reduce static electricity, dust mite allergies, and wood floor warping. Of course, the best way to determine the ideal humidity level for your home is to experiment until you find a level that is comfortable for you and your family.
What are the health risks associated with high or low humidity levels in your home?
Humidity is the amount of water vapor that is present in the air in a space (in this case, your home). Water vapor is invisible, but when the air is saturated with it, we feel it as humidity. High humidity makes us feel sticky and uncomfortable, while low humidity can cause respiratory problems and static electricity. Both high and low humidity levels can have serious health consequences.
Excess moisture in the air provides an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. These fungi can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, particularly in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Dust mites, which are tiny creatures that thrive in humid environments, can also trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. In addition, high humidity levels can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
On the other hand, low humidity levels at home can also cause health problems. When the air is dry, it causes mucous membranes to become irritated and inflamed. This can lead to nosebleeds, dry coughs, and sinus infections. In extreme cases, low humidity levels can even cause what is commonly known as “valley fever.” Although relatively rare, this condition can be serious or even life-threatening.
Clearly, both high and low humidity levels can pose serious health risks. It is important to maintain a consistent and healthy level of humidity in your home or office to create a comfortable and healthy environment.
How do you measure the humidity level in your home?
Countless people are simply unaware of the importance of monitoring the humidity level in their homes. Having too much humidity can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow, causing a variety of health problems. On the other hand, having too little humidity can dry out your skin and respiratory tract, exacerbating allergies and making you more susceptible to colds and flu.
Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to measure the humidity level in your home. A hygrometer is a relatively inexpensive tool that can be used to measure the amount of water vapor in the air. Another option is to simply observe your own comfort level. If you find yourself feeling excessively sweaty or clammy, it may be a sign that the air is too humid.
Conversely, if you are constantly reaching for lotion or lip balm, it may be an indication that the air is too dry. By monitoring the humidity levels in your property, you can help to ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for yourself and your family.
What can you do to increase or decrease the humidity level in your home?
If you need to increase the humidity, you can try using a humidifier, boiling water on the stove, or placing bowls of water around the room. If you need to decrease the humidity, you can use a dehumidifier, turn on the air conditioning, or open a window.
Tips for maintaining healthy humidity levels at home year-round
When it comes to indoor air quality, humidity is often overlooked. However, the truth is that the level of moisture in the air can have a profound impact on your health and comfort. That’s why it’s important to maintain healthy humidity levels in your home year-round.
Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
During the winter, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This will help to prevent dry skin, static electricity, and respiratory problems. Just be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth.
In the summer, open your windows and doors to let fresh air in and help keep humidity levels down. Use fans to circulate the air and consider investing in an air conditioner if needed.
Throughout the year, monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer and take steps to adjust as needed. Too much or too little moisture in the air can lead to a variety of problems, so it’s important to stay within the ideal range of 30-50%.
