The Effects of Humidity on Health and Comfort
HVAC technicians are comfort experts. Most people assume this means knowing how to design systems that keep the temperature in a home perfect, but this is only part of the equation. Humidity is crucial in HVAC design because it has important implications for health and comfort. This article briefly discusses why humidity is important and some strategies to keep the home safe and comfortable.
Why Are Humidity Levels Important?
Humidity is measured by devices called hygrometers. The value is expressed as a percentage and reflects how much water vapor the air holds at any given time. Hygrometers can be purchased and used around the home to monitor humidity levels at a low cost, and they can reveal valuable information regarding the operation of the home.
The ideal humidity levels are between 40-60%; this range maximizes comfort and prevents complications that arise from humidity levels that are too high or too low. When humidity is too low, the skin and mucous membranes in the lungs will dry out, making the body more susceptible to infection. This is common in the winter when cooler air moves into the local region and dries the air out.
When humidity is too high, the excess moisture can cause several problems. First, humid environments spur the growth of mold, which can lead to serious health problems. Excess humidity also disrupts the body’s natural cooling system, leading to higher energy bills as people in the home push the AC to its limits to stay cool.
What Are Humidifiers?
In the wake of the pandemic, people are more interested in lung health than ever. As it turns out, the dry air accompanying the cooler seasons can dry out the air in the home and prevent the wellness of people living inside. Humidifiers help to add humidity back to the air, so the air in the home supports good health. Installing a humidifier to keep humidity levels in the appropriate range can help:
- Lessen the frequency of asthma attacks
- Reduce allergy symptoms
- Keep skin moisturized
- Eliminate sinus problems
- Make the home feel warmer in the winter
What Are Dehumidifiers?
Home construction technology experts aim to create homes that don’t leak air into or out of the home. Humidity in the home is largely dependent on the humidity outdoors because most homes are fairly inefficient, allowing conditioned air to escape through the walls. As technology improves, high humidity is becoming a bigger problem in homes.
In new homes with house wrap and foam insulation, humidity can become trapped in indoor air and cause problems associated with high humidity. Local weather conditions in the summer can greatly increase this problem. A dehumidifier is the only answer if high humidity is a problem in a home.
Signs of high humidity include:
- Mold growth
- Bad odors
- Clammy air
- High cooling bills
Regardless of the age of the home, some homes simply are too humid. If these signs are noticed, then a dehumidifier needs to be part of the comfort equipment in the home.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling handles indoor air quality in several different ways. They can perform HVAC maintenance as well as install humidifiers or dehumidifiers. Call today for HVAC service in Livermore, CA & the Tri-Valley.
