Improper indoor humidity levels not only downgrade your comfort but also increase your chances of contracting diseases. Therefore, it’s important to maintain the normal humidity level in a home.
What is ideal?
Generally, the ideal home humidity level for comfort and health should be between 30% and 50%. When your home’s humidity level exceeds 50%, you’ll feel uncomfortable. What’s more, the increased moisture could lead to:
- Mold growth
- Condensation on toilet tanks and windows
- The decay of flooring, structural materials, and other surfaces in your home
A percentage below 30% is dry and can lead to:
- Sinus issues
- Dry skin
- Static electricity
At 5% or less, the air is excessively dry. This type of environment can cause:
- The peeling away of wallpaper
- Cracking or warping of building materials and wood furniture
The weather and seasons heavily influence the ideal amount of home humidity. Air can hold more moisture at high temperatures than at low temperatures. In the summer, a humidity range between 30% and 45% is ideal. During the winter, it’s best to have your indoor humidity below 40%. Higher humidity levels in the winter can lead to condensation issues.
How Do You Maintain a Normal Humidity Level in a Home?
The best way to maintain a normal humidity level in a home throughout the year is by using a whole-home humidifier and dehumidifier. The products work automatically with your HVAC system.
Use a humidifier in the winter when indoor humidity tends to linger around 15%. In the summer months, utilize a dehumidifier, as air naturally holds more water.
The normal humidity level in a home will have a significant effect on your health and comfort, as well as your energy bills, by decreasing your usage of your HVAC system. To learn more about the normal humidity level in a home, contact Air Assurance. Residents in the Broken Arrow area know they can count on us to help control indoor humidity and keep their heating and cooling systems running correctly.