Humidity and the Home: What Customers Should Know

Everything Homeowners Need To Know About Humidity Levels 

Water keeps everything alive, plants and animals alike. It’s no wonder that so much of the research done on other planets, in this and other solar systems, revolves around the search for H₂O. Even the hottest driest deserts need water on occasion. Everyone knows that water is necessary for life, but they should also know that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. 

Humidity, or moisture in the air, can be a problem whether there is too little or too much. Because the average humidity in this part of Kansas is always around 50%, there is a chance that either extreme could happen in a home, depending on the circumstances.
How Much Does Humidity Affect A Home? 

While people tend to think of humidity as merely an indicator of how the weather is outside, within a home, there are different aspects to consider. It affects the air quality and thereby all the people and objects in a home. The optimum humidity level in a home is between 30 and 50%. Both too much and too little humidity have similar effects, for example: 

Too Much Humidity: 

• Promotes mold and mildew growth 
• Allows dust mites to thrive 
• May cause difficulty breathing 
• May cause sweating 
• May cause wood structures to warp 

Too Little Humidity Can Cause: 

• Skin irritation 
• Throat irritation 
• Dry eyes 
• Chapped lips 
• Dry nasal passages 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Brittle/splintering wood structures 

When To Purchase A Humidifier 

When the weather begins to turn cool, it gets drier. That is one reason for the dry skin and chapped lips people experience during the winter. Home heating systems also tend to produce dry heat, which causes further dry out. This is the time of year to think about adding a humidifier to the list of home appliances. 

Benefits of a Humidifier: 

• Soothes coughing and irritated throat: This is why one will often find small humidifiers in the pharmacy. They are very soothing for upper respiratory illness as well as allergies. 
• Reduces static electricity: When the air is more humid, there is less likelihood of building up an electric charge. 
• Keeps skin supple: Moisture prevents the itching and irritation associated with drier weather. 
• Prevents certain types of furniture/structural damage: Wood can crack, splinter, and break in dry conditions. Antiques, in particular, maintain their integrity better in above 30% humidity.

When To Purchase A Dehumidifier

At this very moment, Kansas is in the most humid part of the year. Heat and high humidity create an uncomfortable and dangerous pair, and the heat advisories are still around. Humidity is often the enemy of cleaning a bathroom or kitchen space due to mold and mildew. If a homeowner has noticed an increase in this nasty stuff or feels sweaty even though they are not hot, they may need to consider purchasing or using a dehumidifier. 

Benefits of a Dehumidifier: 

• Reduces dust mites 
• Helps AC operate more efficiently 
• Prevents mold and mildew growth 

About Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning 

At Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, customer satisfaction is the number one priority. Call them today for all plumbing and HVAC needs in the Merriam, KS area. Contact them today to learn more about humidifier and dehumidifier services.