The amount of humidity in the air can have a profound effect on the comfort of your home and the longevity of your HVAC units.
Spring and summer on the East Coast mean some warm and very humid days are on their way. The amount of humidity in the air can have a profound effect on the comfort of your home and the longevity of your HVAC units. Learning about humidity and how to manage it will be a big help with keeping you comfortable through the coming months.
What is Relative Humidity?
Relative humidity refers to the amount of moisture that is in the air, either inside or outside. As the temperatures change, air’s ability to retain water will change as well. During the summer months, the average home is usually comfortable with a humidity level of around 30-45%. During the winter months, indoor humidity levels should be kept under 40% to keep condensation away. Higher humidity levels can help your home feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Why is Managing Humidity Levels So Important?
High indoor humidity can cause your home to become much less comfortable. Higher humidity means that there’s more moisture trapped in the air. The higher moisture levels can damage many parts of your home, including hardwood floors and furniture, wallpaper, and electrical wiring. With higher humidity levels, you are at a much higher risk of:
- Allergic rhinitis and asthma
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Mites
- Bacteria
- Chemical reactions and negative interactions
Keeping Humidity Levels Managed
During the summer, you should avoid using humidifiers. The air is far more humid that time of year naturally. If your area tends to be particularly humid, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier. It’s also important to turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms, so that excess moisture doesn’t get trapped.
During the winter when air is usually much less humid, you should consider using an indoor room humidifier and even adding some potted plants to areas that you use the most. If those things aren’t adding enough humidity, you can always just install a whole-home humidifier unit.
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William E. Kingswell has remained a distinguished provider of commercial and residential heating and cooling services since 1937. We have provided an unmatched level of customer service to all of our clients, and we enjoy being the preferred HVAC equipment distributor of countless customers. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality heat pumps, boilers, unit heaters, HVAC accessories, and more. William E. Kingswell works with businesses and homeowners throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, Fairfax, Manassas, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, and Leesburg. To learn more about our extensive range of SpacePak, Concord, Allied Commercial, and Bard HVAC equipment, give us a call at 301-937-1900 or contact us today!
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