In the Dayton area, humidity levels are a year-round issue. When humidity levels are too high or too low, it’s very difficult to maintain a comfortable, efficient, and healthful home. Moreover, average humidity levels change during the day and from season to season. However, managing humidity levels in your home doesn’t have to be a mystery or a conundrum. Here are some tips to help you out.
Managing Spring and Fall Humidity
Spring and fall weather patterns are some of the most difficult to predict. You may need your air conditioner one week for unseasonably high temperatures, and then need your furnace the next week to keep warm.
Since relative humidity is determined as a ratio to temperature, you may need a combination of methods to maintain optimal indoor humidity — 45 to 55 percent — during the spring and fall.
- Ceiling fans won’t change indoor temperature or humidity, however, the wind-chill effect produced can help you feel cooler in warmer and more humid conditions.
- Whole-home ventilation fans and spot fans in the kitchen and bathroom help remove excess moisture.
- Your A/C system removes moisture from return airflow, which helps lower humidity that tends to be higher on warmer days.
Managing Summer Humidity
Summer weather consistently feels too warm and too humid. In fact, it’s difficult for your A/C to maintain optimal indoor humidity. A whole-home dehumidifier is the most efficient and practical device to maintain comfortable humidity levels.
A whole-home dehumidifier uses your HVAC system ductwork to pull moisture out of return airflow, in addition to the moisture being removed by your A/C. Don’t forget about your ceiling fans during the summer, which can help a room feel 5 degrees cooler.
Managing Winter Humidity
Like summer, winter humidity levels and temperatures are consistent — just on the opposite end of the spectrum. Indoor air during the winter feels extremely dry, which irritates respiratory ailments, and it contributes to the proliferation of many viruses and germs. The best device to increase indoor humidity is a whole-home humidifier.
For more information about managing humidity levels this spring and year-round, contact Ace Hardware Home Services today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
