Ohio can get pretty humid, especially in the summer. When the air gets too wet and muggy, it can lead to a variety of problems, from general discomfort to health issues to mold and mildew. Here’s how to maintain a healthy humidity level in your home, as well as some signs that your home’s humidity is too high.
Signs of Poor Indoor Humidity
The most obvious sign that your home’s humidity is too high is a constant wet, sticky feeling. If you can’t stop sweating and your body and clothes always feel icky and moist, then you need better humidity control to reach a more healthy humidity level.
If the air is too wet, you may also have trouble sleeping because the sweat can’t evaporate from your skin and your body can’t cool itself properly. Your sleeping temperature is slightly lower than your waking temperature, so if your body has trouble getting cool, you might not be able to sleep properly.
High humidity also leads to an increase in contaminants in your air, which can exacerbate asthma. If you’re having difficulty breathing, you should check your home’s humidity.
The Ideal Humidity Range
If you don’t have a hygrometer in your home, you should get one to monitor your home’s humidity. A healthy humidity level ranges from 30% to 50%, aka the Goldilocks Zone. If it gets higher than that, the moisture can cause mold growth and other air contaminants, which can then lead to a number of health problems. When humidity gets too high, it can cause dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps, heat stroke, and more.
Your AC dehumidifies your air as it runs. This can help keep your home’s humidity in the Goldilocks Zone. However, when the moisture levels are really high, you might need additional help. A whole-house dehumidifier allows you to set your home’s ideal humidity level. It can also save you energy and boost your IAQ, allowing you greater control over both your indoor air quality and your comfort level.
For help maintaining a healthy humidity level in your home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We keep Dayton homes comfortable and efficient all year long.
