As the weather gets more humid during the summer months, most homeowners believe that the mere act of turning on their air conditioning will reduce the humidity in their homes.
While it is true that running your AC will remove some humidity as a byproduct of cooling, it isn’t designed to eliminate all the moisture from the air.
Indoor humidity can affect your health, energy bills and even the condition of your home. When humidity levels are too high or too low, you may notice problems that go far beyond feeling uncomfortable.
How Humidity Impacts Your Energy Bills
Humidity plays a big role in how comfortable your home feels. During the summer, excess moisture in the air can make temperatures feel much hotter than they actually are. When that happens, many homeowners turn down the thermostat to stay cool. This causes their AC unit to run longer and use more energy.
In the winter, the opposite can happen. Air that is too dry often feels colder, even when the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature. This can reduce the need to turn up the thermostat, helping lower energy consumption and keep heating costs under control.
The Effects of Humidity on Your Health
The amount of moisture in your indoor air can impact more than just your energy bills; it can also affect your health.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% for optimal health and comfort. When humidity rises above 50%, it can create conditions that promote mold growth and dust mites, both of which can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.
At the same time, overly dry air can strip moisture from your skin, eyes and nasal passages, leading to dry eyes, dry skin, irritation of the nose and throat, and general discomfort inside your home.
Your Home Can Suffer Too
Humidity does not just affect people. It can also damage your home and belongings.
Excess moisture can cause wood floors, furniture and trim to warp or swell. Condensation on windows may lead to water damage and mold growth. Excessive moisture can also affect your electronics over time.
Low humidity can be just as harmful. Dry air may cause wood flooring, furniture and even structural materials to crack or shrink. Maintaining proper humidity helps protect your investment and extends the life of many household materials.
If your home feels sticky in the summer, excessively dry in the winter or your energy bills seem higher than they should be, humidity could be part of the problem.
C & C Heating & Air Conditioning understands how humidity control is an essential part of your home’s HVAC system. Our professional solutions include humidifiers, dehumidifiers and properly maintained heating and cooling systems.
If you need help improving comfort and efficiency in your home, call us today at (586) 439-3319 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
