Humidity is the amount of water vapor or water molecules in the air. If the humidity level in your home is too high or too low, numerous issues can arise. Keep your indoor air quality in check during the summer, when there's often more humidity in the air, and during the winter, when it can be very dry, so you can breathe and live more comfortably.
Too Little Humidity
During the winter, especially, the air can be very dry. Your home, a place that’s meant to be comfortable and safe for you and your family, can become almost dangerous if the humidity in the air isn’t kept at a safe level. The cold temperatures, along with the extra heat we pump into our homes to stay warm, can result in very low humidity levels.
If the air’s too dry, you can experience a number of unpleasant symptoms, such as congestion, dry skin, or itchy, watery eyes. When humidity levels are low, flu viruses can also survive longer and spread more easily. Your home could be negatively affected as well, as we describe in another article: How Low Humidity Levels Can Affect Your Home.
Too Much Humidity
Your gut reaction after reading the previous section may be to add a humidifier to your home to raise the humidity level, but proceed with caution. Be careful that you don’t add too much humidity to your air, or you could experience other serious problems.
If your home contains too much moisture, mold can grow, allergens can thrive, and respiratory infections can arise. Your health could be placed at risk and your home could become seriously damaged if moisture and mold begins growing in walls, carpets, or roofs.
If you’re using a humidifier, make sure you’re using it safely. Humidifiers can pump out dirty mist that can be very harmful to breathe and lead to serious infections and lung problems. Make sure you clean your humidifier often, change the water frequently, and use a hygrometer to keep track of indoor humidity levels.
What’s the sweet spot?
According to many experts, you should shoot to stay within the 35–60 percent humidity range to minimize your risk for many of the adverse health effects listed above. Where you live and the time of year (winter or summer) are important determining factors also, so it’s important to ask an expert in your area what range you should remain within to keep your home as comfortable and as safe as possible.
Lennox to the Rescue
Pacific is a Dave Lennox Premier Dealer, trained to deliver superior comfort to you and your family and regularly evaluated so that we continue to hold to Lennox’s high standard. Lennox designs whole-home dehumidifiers and humidifiers that control humidity and enhance air quality and indoor comfort by working alongside your home’s heating and cooling system.
If you’re interested in investing in or learning more about one of these indoor air quality systems or any of our heating and cooling systems, give us a call or contact us online by clicking on the button below! We serve customers in Aspen, Carbondale, and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
