Home comfort greatly depends on humidity and temperature levels within the space. Along with temperature, your HVAC system can help regulate humidity in your home. Both high and low humidity and temperature levels can affect home aspects and comfort, which is why it is important to ensure proper levels of both. In this blog, we will explain the best humidity and temperature levels for your home and the benefits it provides.
Why Regulate Humidity?
Controlling humidity can have many advantages to you and your home. Achieving the ideal humidity level can help protect against damage and ensure healthy air quality.
High Humidity
If your home feels muggy and uncomfortable, you likely have high levels of humidity. High levels can sacrifice your comfort and damage components of your home. Below are potential risks your home faces with humidity.
- Mold & Mildew Growth
- Warped Wood Flooring & Furniture
- Peeled Wallpaper
- Damaged Electronics
- Poor Air Quality
High humidity can also affect a resident’s health in the home. Below are potential risks high humidity poses to health.
- Increased Allergy Symptoms
- Respiratory Infections
- Dehydration & Heat Exhaustion
- Heightened Asthma Symptoms
High humidity levels can overwork your HVAC system and lead to high utility bills or breakdowns. The most efficient and effective way to control humidity is to invest in a dehumidifying system. Dehumidifiers can reverse the damages and risks caused by high humidity and prevent further issues such as mold growth.
Low Humidity
Similar to excess moisture being an issue, too little moisture can also cause problems for your home and health. Low humidity levels can make your home feel dry and uncomfortable. Below are common symptoms of low humidity.
- Dry Throat
- Itchy Eyes
- Dry & Cracked Skin
- Nosebleeds
- Increased Susceptibility To Respiratory Issues
Low humidity can cause similar damages high humidity has on your home, such as:
- Split/Cracked Wood Floors & Furniture
- Chipped Paint
- Damaged Electronics
To combat low humidity, consider investing in a home humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture to the air to prevent dryness and irritation and decrease symptoms caused by a common cold.
Related Article: What Are The Benefits Of A Whole Home Humidifier?
Best Humidity Levels For Your Home
As we have explained, it is important to regulate home humidity for a variety of reasons. Each home is different, and it is best to have a professional evaluate the best humidity level for your space. In the winter months, it is best to keep your home between 30-40 percent. In the summer temperatures, it is best to keep home humidity levels between 30-50 percent. To best protect your health and home, we recommend not allowing humidity levels to exceed 60 percent.
Related Article: Indoor Air Quality 101
Ideal Home Temperatures
Your home temperature determines your comfort and cooling bills. The closer your thermostat is to the outdoor temperature, the more you will save each month. The best thermostat setting for summer temperatures is 78 degrees. Additionally, the best temperature for your home in the winter months is 68 degrees.
A good practice for extra savings is to lower or raise your thermostat setting while your home is vacant or residents are sleeping. Adjusting your thermostat during the day can save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs. However, consider indoor aspects of your home such as animals and plants before significantly altering your thermostat setting.
Save Money With Your Ceiling Fan!
Your home temperature does not have to be sacrificed just by raising the thermostat setting. Did you know that ceiling fans have specific settings for both summer and winter? Ceiling fans allow homeowners to adjust thermostat settings without feeling the temperature difference. In the summer, your fan should rotate counterclockwise to provide a cool breeze to the skin. In the winter, fans should spin clockwise to push air upwards and better distribute heat. However, it is important to note that ceiling fans do not alter room temperature. Be sure to turn off ceiling fans while the room is vacant to continue saving on energy costs.
Follow this home temperature and humidity guide to maximize your comfort and keep your home healthy in all seasons! For questions or home humidity services, give us a call! Our expert technicians can evaluate your indoor air and determine a solution best for your home.
