{"id":700,"date":"2021-06-22T20:24:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T20:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peppersheatingandair.com\/?p=700"},"modified":"2024-04-17T14:57:09","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T14:57:09","slug":"what-is-the-ideal-level-of-humidity-to-keep-your-house-comfortable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peppersheatingandair.com\/what-is-the-ideal-level-of-humidity-to-keep-your-house-comfortable\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the ideal level of humidity to keep your house comfortable?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

No matter where you live, humidity can put a damper on your health and overall comfort. In the summer, humidity can make the heat feel even worse, causing people to feel lethargic, irritable and generally unwell. While many people think of humidity as hot, heavy and sticky outdoor air, it\u2019s important to also consider your home\u2019s indoor humidity levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Normal Humidity Levels?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Humidity is the measure of the level of moisture vapor suspended in the air around you. Although you can\u2019t see it, it\u2019s still there. The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is somewhere between 30-50% humidity, according to the Mayo Clinic<\/a>. This means that the air holds between 30-50% of the maximum amount of moisture it can contain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hazards of Too Much Humidity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Too much humidity can negatively impact your comfort, home, possessions and health. When the air around you has too much humidity, your body can\u2019t regulate its internal temperature through the process of evaporation. If you\u2019re in a humid room that\u2019s the same temperature as a room with less humidity, the humid room will feel warmer to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too much humidity won\u2019t just make you uncomfortable, it can also make you sick. High moisture levels encourage the growth of fungus, mold and dust mites, which can create breathing difficulties for people with asthma and allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to your home, overly humid air creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which results in costly damage. Over time, high humidity levels can cause wood to rot and attract unwanted insects. Too much humidity also causes swelling in furniture and other items, causing them to warp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Too Little Humidity is Just as Bad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Air that\u2019s too dry can be just as damaging to your comfort, home, possessions and health as air that\u2019s too wet. Dry air can cause your skin to feel cold and itchy and can dry out other mucous membranes in your body, leading to sore throats and chapped lips. Dry air can also increase coughing, wheezing and other breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When humidity levels are too low, your home can suffer extensive damage from cracking and shrinking around door frames and molding. Anything that\u2019s made from wood will begin to warp and bend as the dried wood shrinks in size. Wooden floors often creak more and may even separate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Tell if Your Home Has Poor Indoor Humidity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Having the right level of moisture in your home\u2019s air is critical to feeling your best and creating the perfect environment. Here are some signs that your home\u2019s humidity level is weighing you down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n