Along with warming weather there comes an increased concern about higher humidity levels in the home. When the humidity rises much above 50 percent, we feel more uncomfortable. Higher humidity prevents perspiration from evaporating on our skin and cooling us off, so we tend to lower the thermostat in order to feel cooler. That means you're paying higher utility bills than you need to.Your air conditioner will help dehumidify your home, as long as it's in good running order and you keep the air filter changed. Read on for additional information on managing humidity levels in your home.
Tracking Your Home's Humidity Levels
Your home should have a relative humidity level within the range of 40-50 percent. It should be at the lower range in the summer, and at the higher range in the winter when the cold air holds less moisture. Cold, dry air tends to dry out our respiratory tracks, which can lead to respiratory infections, while triggering allergies and asthma attacks. Cold, dry air also accounts for more annoying static in the air, which at worst can damage sensitive electronics.To keep track of your home's humidity levels, buy an inexpensive hygrometer at the home convenience store.
Adjusting Humidity Seasonally
If your home tends to be too damp in the summer or too dry in the winter, there are things you can do. Here are some of them.Winter: Boil pots of water on the stove; take longer showers and leave the bathroom door open; add plants to your home.Summer: Fix leaking plumbing; take shorter showers; sequester plants in one room or leaks in the ceiling. Also, change the air filter often so the air conditioner has good air flow; this will help the A/C remove moisture from the air better.Depending on the season, you may want to use a humidifier or dehumidifier. These come in portable models, but the whole-house models do the best job.For more on managing humidity levels, contact Air Assurance. We have served Broken Arrow and the surrounding area since 1985.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about humidity and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.