When creating a comfortable living environment, homeowners may focus on humidity control. If your furnace isn’t working correctly, it can cause the humidity in your home to fluctuate. You’ll need a professional furnace repair service to repair your furnace and help control the comfort level in your home. Uncover how humidity control can transform our living spaces into places of well-being and comfort.
What Is Humidity?
Humidity is the level of water vapor in the air. 100% humidity means that the air is fully saturated with moisture. A working furnace will help you maintain appropriate humidity levels in your home. If you feel the climate control may be off, use the services of expert furnace repair technicians in case your furnace fails to work appropriately.
The Impact of Low Humidity
Low humidity can negatively affect our well-being and the integrity of our homes. When the air in our living spaces becomes too dry, it can create health issues and structural concerns in the home. Here are examples of the consequences of low humidity and how it can impact our lives and surroundings.
Health Concerns
Dry air may cause dry skin, leading to irritation and flakiness. Cracked skin can make it easier to get infections. It can also irritate your eyes by making them dry. For people with asthma or allergies, low humidity can heighten their symptoms. It can also dry out the mucous membranes in the respiratory system, leaving someone prone to colds or bloody noses.
Dry air may cause your throat to dry out more, leading to inflammation and pain. You are also at higher risk of dehydration in low humidity areas.
Wood Damage
Low humidity can cause problems with your home’s wooden components. Wooden furniture, flooring, and structural elements like wooden beams can warp, crack, or split in dry conditions. This can lead to costly repairs or replacements.
Belongings Damage
Books can suffer when your home is too dry. The pages can become brittle and misshapen, the covers may warp, and the ink can become flakey. Storing wine long-term requires consistent temperatures. Dry air causes corks to crack or shrink, letting in air that ruins the wine. Art, musical instruments, and other belongings sensitive to changes in humidity, can also be negatively affected by dry air. Wall art may begin to peel. Even wallpaper can peel in low humidity.
Static Electricity
Low humidity makes it more likely for static electricity to build up in your home. This leads to shocks and can damage sensitive electronic equipment.
When you touch objects, particularly those made of insulating materials like plastics, static electricity can discharge as a small but uncomfortable shock. This can also potentially damage sensitive electronic equipment. Proper indoor humidity reduces static electricity buildup and provides a more comfortable and safe living environment.
The Impact of High Humidity
While low humidity can pose challenges, high moisture also presents several issues that can affect us. Excess moisture in the air can give rise to various concerns, from discomfort and health risks to potential damage to our homes. Uncover the impact of high humidity on our daily lives.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew are fungal organisms that thrive in moist environments, and high humidity levels may help them thrive. They release spores into the air, which may trigger allergies or respiratory problems.
Mold and mildew can also damage your home’s structure, including wood, drywall, and insulation. Consult a furnace repairman so they can find what’s causing the humidity and reduce the risk of these health-threatening organisms.
Dust Mites
Dust mites feed on dead skin cells, which may affect people with allergies and asthma. They can trigger sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma symptoms. Control humidity levels in your home to mitigate the presence of dust mites and reduce allergen exposure.
Discomfort
Everyday activities such as cooking, exercising, or simply relaxing are more difficult in excessively humid conditions. High humidity makes it more difficult for your body to cool down and your sweat can cause your skin to feel sticky. These conditions make it difficult to feel comfortable. Even sleeping quality can decrease when humidity levels are too high.
Home Damage
Just like low humidity, too high humidity levels can damage the things in your home. Wallpaper may bubble and peel from the wall. Walls or ceilings can stain. Wood floors can warp. Some of your belongings may even begin to rot, leading to more mold and mildew.
How to Control Humidity
Maintaining proper humidity levels, typically 30-50%, can help alleviate discomfort, making your home a more inviting and habitable space. Using dehumidifiers and good ventilation practices can be effective in achieving this balance.
Even when your furnace is in good repair, your home can have humidity problems. To achieve a good balance, you can use a humidifier in dry climates or during winter to add moisture to the air. Make sure you keep the humidifier clean. To keep the humidifier in good condition, you should use distilled water, clean it every three days by removing mineral build-up and rinsing the tank, change the filters, and keep the surrounding area dry.
Maintain proper ventilation, as good airflow can help maintain ideal humidity levels. It also helps to inspect your home for leaks and cracks that may allow moisture to enter or escape. Proper insulation and sealing can help maintain a consistent indoor environment. You can also measure humidity in your home using a hygrometer.
If your home is too humid, a dehumidifier is a good option to control humidity levels. A dehumidifier collects any extra moisture in the air. They are useful for damp basements. With proper cleaning, a dehumidifier can help keep your home cool but not damp long term.
Contact a Furnace Repair Expert
Humidity control helps you maintain a comfortable, healthy home. Whether you live in a dry or humid climate, take appropriate measures for humidity control to enhance your quality of life. Contact furnace repair experts today if you need your furnace repaired to keep humidity levels regular.
