Indiana can get pretty humid. Your HVAC system dehumidifies the air to make things more comfortable, but if you’re not careful, it can push things too far the other way, so your home gets too dry. What’s the normal humidity level in a home? How do you get your humidity to stay at a specific level? Here’s what you need to know:
The Goldilocks Zone
Humidity that’s too high is detrimental to your indoor air quality. It fosters mold, mildew, and other contaminants, which are bad for everyone, but particularly allergy and asthma sufferers. Bacteria also thrive in humid areas, which can make you sick.
There are also problems when the humidity is too low. Dry environments are a breeding ground for cold and flu viruses. They cause everything from dry, cracked skin to sore, scratchy throats to static shock. The lack of moisture can also damage your wood floors, your furniture, and more.
To maintain a normal humidity level in a home and, thus, a healthy environment, you need to keep your humidity in the Goldilocks Zone, i.e., not too wet and not too dry. That level is between 30% and 50%. Keeping humidity at a proper level can boost your indoor air quality, make your home more comfortable, save energy, and more.
Whole-Home Humidity Control
A humidifier or dehumidifier can help you keep your home in the Goldilocks Zone. Unfortunately, many of these models are designed for just one room. They also require significant maintenance several times a week. If you really want to get your living space to a normal humidity level in a home, your best bet is a whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier.
Using a humidistat, whole-home humidity control allows you to set your normal humidity level in a home. That way, you can keep it between 30% and 50% while still adjusting to your personal comfort level. It integrates into your HVAC system to send the humidified air all throughout your home, using your ductwork and vents. That way, you can maintain comfort and IAQ in every room of the house.
For help with maintaining a normal humidity level in a home, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We keep Indianapolis homes healthy, comfortable, and efficient.
