5.0 Google Rating

40-Years-Badge

Free Estimates:
HVAC Replacement Only

How Do Humidity Levels Affect Home Comfort?

We live in Westlake, OH, which means our summers are hot and humid and our winters are cold and dry. Humidity levels—both high and low—play a huge role in our comfort levels, and can be as important as temperature control when establishing a comfortable household. You can purchase a whole-house humidifier and/or dehumidifier to correct the imbalance, but you can benefit by understanding exactly how humidity levels affect home comfort.

Relative Humidity

When we talk about humidity, we usually talk about relative humidity, which measures the ambient moisture in the air as a percentage. 100% humidity basically means rain, while 0% humidity means no moisture in the air at all (something that almost never happens on this planet). As human beings, we need the humidity to stand between 30% and 50% in order to feel comfortable.

High Humidity

When the humidity levels climb above 50%, there’s too much moisture in the air for the sweat on your skin to evaporate: your body’s natural way of keeping cool. That makes the temperature feel much hotter than it is, as well as creating that gross clammy feeling when you sweat all the time. Your air conditioner will need to work harder to make up the difference and at extreme levels, it can even damage the furnishings in your house.

Low Humidity

Low humidity tends to occur in the winter, when temperatures drop and the ambient moisture in the air drops along with it. Excessively dry air creates an itchy, cracked feeling on your skin, and irritates your throat and sinuses (leaving you more vulnerable to sickness and disease). You tend to create more static electricity when you walk across the floor or carpet, and as with high humidity, your furnishings can really suffer from the dryness.

If you want to keep humidity levels in your home comfortable throughout the year, then Westland Heating and Air Conditioning is ready to help. Give us a call today!

Keep Learning

Best Heating Contractor Rocky River OH: Keep Your Home Warm

Best Heating Contractor Rocky River OH: Keep Your Home Warm

There's nothing like stepping into a warm, cozy home after braving the Rocky River winter. But what if your heating system has other plans? Whether struggling to keep up, making…

Best Furnace Repair Avon OH – Keep Your Home Comfortable

Best Furnace Repair Avon OH – Keep Your Home Comfortable

Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or recently moved into a “new to you” home, taking every step to protect it is essential. And hiring the best heating…

Inside the World of an Emergency Plumber

Inside the World of an Emergency Plumber

Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or recently moved into a “new to you” home, taking every step to protect it is essential. And hiring the best heating…