What Every Homeowner Should Know About Humidity and How It Can Affect the Home

Most people think of their HVAC systems primarily for their ability to control the indoor temperature. While this is generally their main function, heating and cooling systems also play an important role in managing indoor humidity levels. But in some cases, the heater or AC isn’t enough to keep humidity levels where they should be. This is why many homeowners invest in humidifiers (to raise the humidity level) or dehumidifiers (to decrease the humidity level). But some homeowners may wonder what the big deal is with humidity and why it must be controlled. So this article will lay out the negative effects of low and high humidity on the home and how to tell if a humidifier or dehumidifier is needed!

Why Is Humidity Important?

When discussing indoor humidity, most people refer to relative humidity – the amount of water vapor the air can hold relative to its temperature. When the relative humidity reaches 100%, that water vapor condenses into liquid. Cold air can’t hold as much water vapor as warm air, so air tends to be muggier in the summer and drier in the winter. In general, the ideal humidity range for indoor air is between 30%-50%. When humidity levels get too high, it can make the home feel stuffy and uncomfortable and have a variety of negative effects:
  • The excess moisture can lead to mold growth
  • The home can develop a musty smell
  • Food like bread, chips, and produce can get stale or spoil faster
  • The moist environment can attract pests and bugs
  • Wood, drywall, and furniture can warp or become damaged
When humidity levels get too low, homeowners can face a different set of problems:
  • Skin can become dry, itchy, or irritated.
  • Allergies and asthma symptoms can worsen.
  • Increased susceptibility to nosebleeds, cold, flu, and other respiratory issues.
  • Wood and furniture can crack or split.

Does the Home Need a Humidifier?

There are a few ways to tell that the home could use a humidifier to boost the indoor humidity levels. Homeowners may notice that their skin and hair are particularly dry. Likewise, they may have itchy eyes, chapped lips, a sore throat, or a runny nose. These are all symptoms of too-dry air, as the lack of humidity saps the body’s moisture and mucous membranes. Some thermostats also have humidity sensors – if this reading is consistently below 30%, getting a humidifier is probably a good idea. Many people get portable humidifiers to help solve the problem, but these can only serve individual rooms and, therefore, can’t protect against all of the negative effects of low humidity. On the other hand, a whole-home humidifier is typically installed in line with the existing HVAC system to deliver water vapor throughout the entire home via the ductwork. Homeowners can help protect their respiratory health and reclaim their comfort during the dry months by installing a whole-house humidifier!

Or Does the Home Need a Dehumidifier?

As mentioned above, the easiest way to tell that a dehumidifier might be necessary is if the home’s relative humidity is much higher than 50% according to the thermostat. But even without a humidity sensor, it’s not too difficult to tell when the home’s humidity is excessively high. Condensation on the inside of windows, air registers, damp carpets or upholstery, musty odors, visible mold growth, and water spots on walls or ceilings all indicate excess humidity. Chips, crackers, and cereal may get soft or stale a few days after opening. The house may feel stuffy, or homeowners may feel clammy when the AC blows cold air. If homeowners notice any of these signs, installing a whole-house dehumidifier is probably a good idea. As with humidifiers, whole-home dehumidifiers are installed near the AC or heater’s indoor air handler to remove excess moisture from the entire home’s air as it circulates through the system. This can improve comfort levels and indoor air quality and protect the home and its furnishings from the ravages of high humidity!

About The Bosworth Company

The Bosworth Company has been the go-to resource for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and indoor air quality services in Midland, Texas, since 1949. Their licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians always arrive on time and provide award-winning service to get every customer back to their routine as quickly and painlessly as possible. They offer competitive up-front pricing, financing, 24/7 emergency response, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee – so don’t hesitate to call The Bosworth Company for humidifier installation in Midland, TX!
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