What Should the Relative Humidity Level Be in my House
We all know that feeling of wet summer heat that hits you like a wall and makes everyone feel groggy all day. Mother Nature can be a bit harsh this time of year, but by controlling moisture levels within your home, you can stay comfortable and reduce structural damage due to high humidity. While your air conditioner may control relative humidity to a certain degree, if you have an older model, or one that’s oversized for your home, you may need extra help with dehumidification.
Measuring levels
A hygrometer is a simple, inexpensive tool that can be used to measure “relative humidity” within your home, which is the amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature. It is recommended that relative humidity stays between 35 and 45 percent for an interior temperature of 70 degrees (lower in winter months). However, every home is as different as the people who live in it, and a personal inspection can be even more useful than a hygrometer.
Reducing relative humidity
If you notice fog or vapor forming on your windows, your house is probably too humid. Too much moisture in a home doesn’t just cause discomfort; it can also damage property. Mold growth is all too common in such environments, which can cause odors and raise health concerns. Wooden objects, such as acoustic musical instruments, can become warped beyond repair if they are left sitting in a humid space for too long.
Portable dehumidifiers go a long way toward reducing moisture in troublesome rooms, such as a musty basement. However, if your entire home experiences a lot of moisture in the air, consider a whole-home dehumidifier, which can be incorporated into your air conditioning system and can self-monitor moisture levels.
Adding humidity
Thankfully, Floridians don’t often need to worry about low humidity, which can cause dry, chapped lips, and can even crack wall paint and wooden furniture over time. Humidifiers can help rectify this nuisance.
For more tips on controlling moisture in your Tampa Bay area home, please contact us at Gulf Coast Air Systems, Inc.
