You can’t change the humidity outside, but you can control how humid your home is. Many modern thermostats have humidity control settings, so you can monitor and adjust the climate in your home. If you’ve never had to adjust this before, you may be wondering – What should my indoor humidity be?
Ideal Settings for Indoor Humidity
The best humidity setting for most homes is between 40% and 50%. However, there are several factors that contribute to this. Your overall climate or preferred humidity range may slightly vary. We recommend setting a humidity level of at least 30%, with a maximum of 60%.
Dangers of Humidity Being Too High
Allergens and mold thrive in high humidity levels. Thus if you have your humidity set too high, you may end up with a much bigger problem on your hands. This is particularly true if you deal with moisture issues in your basement, bathrooms, laundry room, or other spaces where water is present. If you are prone to respiratory issues, ere on the side of caution. Keep your humidity levels below 50% to keep allergens and dust mites at bay.
Dangers of Humidity Being Too Low
Not having enough indoor humidity can be just as challenging as having too much. Not only will you have an annoying amount of static to deal with, but you could experience dry skin, dry/itchy throat, and other physical effects. A dry climate can have a negative impact on electronic devices, and it can cause wood flooring and furniture to warp. Finally, having proper humidity levels will make your climate feel more comfortable, allowing you to adjust your thermostat. The energy savings and financial savings to come are an added bonus.
Causes of Temporary Humidity Changes
Your indoor humidity may temporarily go through changes, regardless of what you have your humidity set to. This most often occurs after a long, steamy shower or when running your laundry machines. Cooking may also change the humidity in your home for a short time. If the house remains humid after these activities, you may want to check the air vents and filters in your home. Improper ventilation may cause the humidity to linger longer than it should.
To achieve the ideal humidity settings for your home, contact Quality Comfort HVAC. Our heating and air conditioning experts can inspect your HVAC system and provide helpful tips for improvement. Call (586) 778-8600 to get started.