Maintaining the correct humidity level in your home can be a challenge, especially during the extreme temperatures in the summer and winter. As the temperatures drop outdoors around this time of year, you might also feel the air inside your home changing. That change is referred to as RH or relative humidity. Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. Humidity not only affects your comfort level, but also contributes to your heating and cooling costs. Homeowners often overcompensate with temperature adjustments when all they need to do is adjust the moisture level. Depending on how dry or humid your air is, you might need the help of a humidifier or dehumidifier. Below, our experts help you decide and share the best dehumidifiers and humidifiers for your home.
Effects of Low Humidity in the Home
Generally, the ideal humidity level inside should be between 30%-50%. But during the colder months of the year, you want your home to remain warm and comfortable, so the humidity levels inside should be less (around 30%-40%) to avoid condensation. Since cool air doesn’t hold as much moisture as warm air, it’s crucial to find ways to add some humidity back into the air. Adding live plants or a whole home humidifier can help increase the moisture in the air. Failure to do so results in dry air, which can cause:
- Dry, itchy skin and eyes
- Static electricity
- Excessive dust
- Damage to wood floors, furniture, doors, and windows
- The spread of viruses and bacteria
The different types of humidifiers include:
- Central Humidifiers
- Evaporators
- Ultrasonic Humidifiers
- Steam Humidifiers
- Impeller Humidifiers
Symptoms of High Humidity in the Home
Similarly, too much moisture in the air can negatively affect your health and your home. Your air conditioner works to remove the sticky, humid air during the summer months. If your HVAC system requires a tune-up and isn’t functioning optimally, it can lead to too much moisture in the air. Utilizing a dehumidifier and ensuring the level of humidity inside your home is between 40%-50 allows you to set your thermostat a little higher, which can save you money on your monthly utility bill. Symptoms of high humidity in the home include:
- Muggy air
- Condensation on the windows and walls
- Mold and mildew growth
- Uncomfortable sleeping conditions
- Rotten or musty smells
- Damage to wood furniture, floors, doors, and windows
Some of the best dehumidifier types include:
- Whole house Dehumidifier
- Desiccant Dehumidifier
- Thermoelectric Dehumidifier
- Refrigerated Coil Dehumidifier
Humidification Solutions by Ace Hardware Home Services
Whole home humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help you retain the optimal indoor humidity inside your home. At Ace Hardware Home Services, we can design an optimal humidification system to get the job done. Every home needs to have its humidification system uniquely designed and our team of professionals is here to help you through every step of the process, from design to selecting the equipment. Contact us at 937-879-2373 to request a consultation.
