Understanding Humidity and How It Affects Your Home

Controlling Humidity at Home With Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Anyone who’s ever complained about the air being too dry in the winter or damp and sticky in the summer has experienced the unfortunate effects of too little or too much humidity. Humidity is the measure of water vapor in the air and is one factor that can affect health and comfort at home.

During the summer, when the weather is warm, water evaporates and becomes vapor easily, making the air feel extremely wet and humid. The opposite is true during the cold winter months. Frigid temperatures make the air feel dry. But when there is too much or too little humidity at home, it can have many other negative effects that can be fixed by installing humidifiers or dehumidifiers. This article will share the effects of indoor humidity and the benefits of installing dehumidifiers and humidifiers.

The Impacts of Humidity at Home

Humidity plays a crucial role in the comfort of a home’s indoor environment and the health of its residents. Optimal humidity levels typically range from 30% to 50%, providing a balance that helps to prevent the problems associated with too much or too little moisture in the air. Excessive humidity can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which are harmful to health and can cause allergic reactions and other respiratory issues. Furthermore, high humidity can make the air feel warmer than it is, leading to discomfort and increased use of air conditioning, thereby raising energy costs.

On the other hand, too little humidity can cause discomfort by drying out the skin and mucous membranes, leading to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. It can also exacerbate conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Low humidity levels at home can also cause wooden furniture and flooring to shrink and crack, adversely affecting their durability and appearance. Maintaining proper indoor humidity levels is essential for safeguarding the health and comfort of the home’s occupants and ensuring the longevity of the home’s contents.

What a Humidifier Is For

Homeowners might realize the need for a humidifier installation when the air inside homes becomes uncomfortably dry. Telltale signs a humidifier is needed include frequent static shocks, dry skin, irritated sinuses, and a persistent cough, all of which suggest that the indoor air lacks sufficient moisture. Installing a humidifier can vastly improve home comfort by maintaining optimal humidity levels, which not only alleviates these physical discomforts but also helps preserve the health of wooden furniture and floors, which can crack or warp in dry conditions.

Furthermore, maintaining a healthy humidity level with a humidifier can also reduce the likelihood of airborne viruses, offering an additional health benefit to household members. Installing a humidifier at home can also reduce energy costs by optimizing the indoor climate. During the colder months, humid air feels warmer than dry air at the same temperature, allowing the thermostat to be set at a lower temperature while still maintaining a comfortable environment, which can lead to considerable savings on heating bills.

What a Dehumidifier Is For

Dehumidifiers can also play a pivotal role in maintaining good indoor air quality by removing excess moisture from the air. Homeowners can tell they need a dehumidifier installation if they start noticing condensation on windows, a musty odor in parts of their home, or if they are experiencing frequent allergic reactions, which could be worsened by mold and dust mites thriving in high humidity. Additionally, visible mold spots on walls or ceilings and peeling paint or wallpaper indicate that the indoor air contains too much moisture and could benefit from a dehumidifier.

Installing a dehumidifier also comes with many benefits. Firstly, it makes the home less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mold, and mildew, improving respiratory health and reducing irritation. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma and allergies. Also, by maintaining an optimal humidity level, dehumidifiers protect a home’s structural integrity and preserve wooden furniture and electronics from the adverse effects of excess moisture. They can also make the home feel cooler and more comfortable during hot, sticky months, potentially reducing the need for air conditioning and, thus, saving on energy costs.

About Total Comfort Solutions

Total Comfort Solutions is a family-owned and operated plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business serving Walla Walla, WA, and the surrounding areas since 2008. They provide straightforward pricing, 24/7 live answers, and on-time service. Call them today for dehumidifier and humidifier services in Walla Walla, WA.

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“Just recently had our final parts come in to complete the install of our mini split heating/cooling system.

Mark Allen has been great from the beginning, he helped us figure out the most cost-effective heating for our home would be, was upfront about costs and warned us of future costs that may pop up (which wasn’t a concern), has always been available to contact, and has gone above and beyond by making arrangements to get us temporary heat in our home during a product shortage.

Installation was quick and easy, the installers were very friendly and accommodating according to some of our needs concerning our cats and dogs. After installation, the inspector even ordered a new fan for one of our outdoor units and replaced it promptly. This company truly knows how to take care of their customers.”