Humidity and the Effects It Can Have On a Household
While people often focus on temperature when discussing home comfort, humidity can also be a factor. Humidity can significantly impact both living spaces and the well-being of residents when it is too high or low. From warped wooden floors and peeling paint to mold growth and increased allergy symptoms, unchecked humidity levels can wreak havoc on a household.
Because humidity levels must be kept within a certain range, it’s important for homeowners to know signs that can indicate too high or too low humidity in their homes. These signs can point to the need for a dehumidifier or humidifier installation, both of which have many benefits. This post will share ways humidity affects a home and the advantages of installing dehumidifiers and humidifiers.
Why the Right Humidity Level Matters
Humidity plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy indoor environment, with both excessive and insufficient moisture levels presenting distinct challenges for a home and the health of those in it. When humidity rises above 60%, it creates ideal conditions for mold growth, dust mites, and damage to the home and belongings as excess moisture seeps into walls, flooring, and furniture. This not only leads to issues with damage like cracking or warped wooden furniture or floors and peeling paint but also significantly impacts indoor air quality by increasing airborne allergens and irritants that can trigger respiratory issues and allergic reactions and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
On the other hand, humidity levels below 30% can cause equally problematic conditions, including dried-out wood that leads to cracking and warping wood furniture and flooring, static electricity shocks, chapped lips, and irritation of the nose and throat that can leave occupants more susceptible to respiratory infections and exacerbate symptoms of allergies.
Maintaining the optimal humidity level, typically between 30-50%, is essential for both preserving the home and its belongings and promoting healthy indoor air quality to help with the health of residents. This delicate balance is important, so controlling humidity levels by installing a humidifier or dehumidifier may be necessary if households struggle with humidity levels.
Installing a Humidifier
Recognizing the need for a humidifier installation can be done with telltale signs around the home and physical discomfort. The indoor air likely lacks adequate moisture if people experience frequent static electricity shocks, dry skin, chapped lips, wooden furniture or floors splitting or cracking, or frequent nose and throat irritation. A hygrometer can also confirm if humidity levels fall below the optimal range.
Installing a humidifier offers numerous advantages. Properly humidified air with higher humidity levels due to the whole-home humidifier can make the home feel warmer, which could lead to lower heating costs. From a health perspective, appropriate humidity levels help reduce nose and throat irritation and maintain respiratory health by preventing dried mucous membranes that leave people susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the home's wooden components, including wood floors, furniture, and musical instruments, will benefit significantly when not subjected to excessive dryness that causes warping and cracking. For homeowners with allergies or asthma, maintaining optimal humidity can reduce triggers while creating an environment where airborne viruses are less likely to survive and spread.
Installing a Dehumidifier
Recognizing the need for a dehumidifier installation can also be done with telltale signs throughout the home. If people notice persistent musty odors, visible mold growth, water stains on walls or ceilings, condensation on windows, or warped wooden surfaces, the home is likely experiencing excessive humidity. Other indicators include increased allergy symptoms and high humidity readings on a hygrometer.
Installing a dehumidifier also offers numerous benefits for a household. Dehumidifiers reduce high moisture levels, helping prevent mold growth and minimizing allergens like dust mites that thrive in humid environments, helping to improve the health of those in the home and reduce allergy symptoms. Additionally, a whole-home dehumidifier can help prevent moisture damage to wooden floors and belongings, walls, and ceilings and help reduce cooling costs because drier air feels cooler. If homeowners suspect they have humidity problems in their homes, they should call a professional. They can help determine when a humidifier or dehumidifier installation is needed.
About Hall’s Heating & Air
Hall’s Heating & Air has been serving Pampa, TX, and the surrounding areas for more than 40 years. They offer straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for dehumidifier installation and humidifier installation services in Pampa, TX.
