Is it too sticky in your home in the summer and too dry during the winter? Many homeowners battle controlling the level of humidity in their homes depending upon the season. In the northeast, we have dry, cold winters that can strip the moisture from your home and body. In the summer, our climate changes into a more tropical feel that can make homes feel musty and clammy. Both extremes can take a toll on your health and the atmosphere in your home. Let’s learn a little about humidity and how to gain some control over it.
Humidity is determined by the amount of water vapor in the air. Health professionals recommend that humidity levels are ideal when they remain between 40 – 60 percent. When humidity is too high, it aids in the growth of mold, fungus and dust mites. When humidity is too low it can cause dry eyes, itchy skin and the natural balance of moisture in the body to be off, thus leading to lung and breathing issues. So, what are some techniques to control the level of humidity in your home so that you and your family remain healthy and happy?
Humidity Too High
If your home has a humidity level that is causing illness or is just plain uncomfortable, here are a few steps to take to help you lower the humidity level.
- Use a dehumidifier when necessary – particularly in basements and during the summer. There are a variety of dehumidifiers available ranging from simple off the shelf plug in units to professionally installed in-line systems designed to dehumidify one room or an entire home.
- Use exhaust fans while cooking and showering. If you don’t have an exhaust fan be sure to open a window to exchange fresh, drier air.
- Check on dryer vents to be sure they are venting properly.
- Install energy efficient zone heating and cooling that will allow you to control the temp and humidity levels.
- Get professional advice. If you believe you have a humidity issue which is affecting your family, call a Morris Heating and Air Conditioning Comfort Advisor for a free home assessment. We have a variety of solutions to tackle this common problem. Humidity problems often crop up in basements, poorly insulated rooms and sometimes affect an entire home. We can help. Call us today.
Humidity Too Low
If you notice that you have dry, cracked skin and static electricity is at an all time high in your home, then the humidity may be too low. Here are a few suggestions to put some moisture back in your air.
- Add a whole home humidifier to your heating and cooling system. Most of us have purchased a simple plug in unit to add moisture to a room to help a sick child get through the worst of a cold or flu, but the fact is, these units will do little to humidify an entire home. Call a Morris Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Comfort Advisor for more information on the wide variety of humidifications products available today.
- In good weather, you can aid humidity and improve indoor air quality by leaving doors and windows open.
- Boiling water, running a steam shower, or having a hot cup of tea/coffee are simple tricks to add moisture to the air in the short term, but if lack of humidity is affecting you on a day to day basis, please consult a Morris Comfort Advisor today. We deal with these issues every day and sometimes all it takes is a very simple solution to make you more comfortable and your home a healthier place to live.
Don’t let issues of low or high humidity affect your health. Talk to Morris Heating and Air Conditioning to get control of your humidity levels now.