Relative humidity (RH) is the measure of airborne moisture within the context of temperature. Health experts recommend 40% to 50% RH as the ideal range for most households. An RH above 60% or below 30% is when serious indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns arise.
The Dangers of High Humidity in Summer
Warm air can hold more moisture, which is why RH is naturally higher in spring and summer. Mildew and mold are the top reasons to maintain an ideal RH. At below 60%, it’s much more difficult for them to thrive, and at below 50%, the home is inhospitable for them. Likewise, you generally won’t find dust mites in a home with humidity in the optimal range. Higher humidity levels make you less comfortable and cause your air conditioner to work harder. It also causes respiratory inflammation that can disrupt sleep, sap energy levels, and more.
Maintaining an Ideal RH All Summer Long
Your AC does dehumidify as a byproduct of cooling, but it isn’t a dehumidifier. Schedule spring AC tune-ups, as clean coils and optimal refrigerant pressure are integral to AC dehumidification. Use a premium HVAC filter, regularly swap it out, and make use of ceiling fans throughout your home. If you’re unable to achieve 50% RH through cooling alone, consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier. A dehumidification system will let you set a target RH, and it will remove moisture from the air until you reach it. This will not only improve comfort and health but also lower AC-related energy and maintenance costs.
The Risks of Low Humidity in Winter
Cooler air can hold less moisture, which is why the air is naturally less humid in fall and winter. Dry air can cause respiratory inflammation as well and make you more prone to viruses. It can affect your perception of warmth, disrupt your sleep, cause headaches, and so on. There are also home maintenance concerns with overly dry air. Static electricity may be a nuisance, but dry air can cause real damage to hardwood floors, wood furniture, wallpaper, and so forth.
Achieving Your Perfect RH Throughout Wintertime
Homes with fuel-fired furnaces can experience a drying-out effect that’s a byproduct of heating the home. You generally won’t experience this with electric furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers. If this is the cause of your humidity problems, you can offset it through the installation of a bypass furnace humidifier. If your wintertime humidity problems are more widespread, consider installing a whole-house humidifier. It will let you set a target RH and infuse your air with water vapor to achieve it.
If you’re unsure whether your humidity is in an appropriate range, consider scheduling an IAQ assessment. An expert can help you identify problems with moisture and other aspects of your air quality. If you live in Montgomery, AL or a surrounding area and need air quality services, make your first call to Alabama Home Pros.