We all know what a pain dealing with humidity can be. Depending on what part of the country you live in, you are probably very familiar with having to navigate the perils of humid weather. Too much humidity inside your house is obviously a big problem, but did you know that not enough humidity can be a problem, too?
When there is too much moisture in your home, you may experience high humidity levels, resulting in poor indoor air quality, mold growth, and generally swampy, uncomfortable temperatures. Conversely, if there is not enough moisture in your home, and humidity levels sink too low, you may experience dry or cracking skin, as well as an increase in viruses in the air (not to mention potential damage to wooden furniture.)
The recommended humidity level for the average home is 45%–55%. You can buy a device such as a hygrometer to check this, and now, you can even measure humidity levels using several apps on your smartphone. But how do you maintain the ideal humidity level for your home, exactly? Keep reading to find out, and remember that for all your heating, cooling, and general home comfort needs, you can count on All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical to deliver the services you need.
5 Ways to Achieve the Perfect Humidity Level In Your Home
- Use a Humidifier/Dehumidifier: The easiest way to control humidity in your home is to use a humidifier or dehumidifier. These devices will add or remove moisture from the air for you, and can be sold in separate or combined units.
- Keep Your Air Conditioner at a Consistent Temperature: Few things are worse for your air quality and moisture levels than constantly turning your thermostat up and down. To help prevent moisture from accumulating and dissipating too quickly, try to keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature (generally somewhere between 66° F-72° F in the summer and 72° F-88° F in the winter should do it.) This will help you stay more comfortable and avoid humidity problems year-round.
- Install a Smart Thermostat: Speaking of thermostat adjustments, it is never a bad idea to install a smart thermostat to help control humidity levels for you. Modern smart thermostats can actually adjust automictically to find the ideal temperature for your home. This way, you will never have to spend an extensive amount of programming your thermostat to help control humidity levels.
- Don’t Forget to Run Your Exhaust Fans: As simple as it may sound, running your exhaust fans consistently helps circulate air into your home, preventing excess humidity buildup in a given space. That is not to say you should stop using your exhaust fans when it gets cold out and there is less humidity in your space, though you may want to run a humidifier at the same time your exhaust fan is on just to balance things out.
- Consider Purchasing Vapor Barriers: Most homeowners do not know what vapor barriers are, but these plastic coverings can go a long way towards locking in moisture levels inside your home. They are particularly useful for older houses in suburban areas, where foundations are often made of dirt and clay, with no non-penetrable material on top. Vapor barriers help increase your home’s insulation, so additional moisture does not seep in through the soil. This will also help protect your home’s foundation, so your house remains comfortable and sturdy for years to come.
Improve your home’s humidity levels today! Call All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical now at (909) 500-8193 for more tips and tricks, or contact us anytime online.