Here in Gainesville, Florida, we know a thing or two about humidity. During our hotter months, stepping outside at pretty much any point in the day will quickly give you frizzy hair and sticky, sweaty skin. But what does it do inside your home? If kept at the right amount, it’s beneficial for your air, but too much or too little and you risk damage to your home and your health. Read on to learn why your home’s indoor humidity level is not something you should ignore.
Humidity Levels
According to the Mayo Clinic, humidity, or the amount of water vapor in the air, should be kept at about 30-50% inside of your home. If your home has too much or not enough, it can have many adverse effects. If you’re wondering about the amount of moisture in your home, you can use a hygrometer to test your indoor air and ensure you are in that ideal range.
Too Much Humidity
The biggest threat involving excess indoor humidity is that it creates an all too hospitable environment for dust mites, mold, and mildew to grow. Your home is most susceptible to too much humidity during spring and summer when the temperatures rise. And, going without your AC unit running only makes things worse.
As these contaminants spread in the air and within the walls of your home, they cause hazardous health issues such as respiratory issues, coughing, and shortness of breath. Using your air conditioner and investing in a dehumidifier helps combat the warm air and the excess humidity by collecting the extra moisture from the air.
Too Little Humidity
Similarly, insufficient humidity in your home can dry out your skin, lips, and eyes, cause coughing, sore throats, and make you feel cold inside your home even when the temperature is on the higher side. Your home’s interior wood can crack and warp, and floors begin to separate. To bring your home’s moisture levels back up to where they should be, a humidifier can be added to your HVAC unit.
We may not think that too little humidity is a problem in our area. However, this can happen even in Florida due to our dry winters, so it is important to be aware of this issue.
Comfort Temp Makes Your Home Comfortable
Our expert team at Comfort Temp knows how to help you maintain optimal indoor air quality at your home. We can test to find your home’s humidity level and treat it as needed through air purifiers, filters, germicidal lights, ventilation systems, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. Contact us today and get back to breathing right at home!
