If your home’s HVAC system is in good running order and is well maintained , then most likely your home’s humidity is in the range it should be — somewhere between 40-60 percent, although you will probably want it somewhat lower (30-50 percent) when temperatures are warmer, as warmer air holds moisture and can make us feel sticky in the summer.
But what about baby room humidity? Should humidity levels in an infant’s room be the same as for the rest of the house, and how, if you need to, can you adjust them?
Why a Home’s Humidity Is Important
The main reason for keeping humidity lower in a home is to prevent mold. The Environmental Protection Agency advises a range between 30-50 percent to inhibit mold. Keeping humidity a little higher, between 40 and 60 percent inhibits the growth of bacteria, and can also help keep mucus membranes from drying and cracking. The latter is of particular importance in the winter. As nasal and throat passages dry they may crack, allowing viruses a chance to invade and make us sick.
What’s more, higher humidity just makes us feel warmer, particularly in the summer, so that we’re inclined to turn the thermostat down lower than we would otherwise. Higher moisture content in the air prevents perspiration from evaporating on our skin, depriving us of that “wind chill” effect that helps cool us off in the summer.
Humidity in the Nursery
Keeping humidity levels on the higher side will help ease a baby’s breathing passages and prevent dry skin, but it’s also important if the home has a generally damp environment, to maintain lower humidity levels that will restrict the growth of mold–particularly in the nursery.
Adjusting Humidity
While the HVAC system generally can be relied upon to keep humidity levels where they should be, you can adjust humidity by adding a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier. Portable models are also available, as are hygrometers for measuring the home’s relative humidity.
To discuss baby room humidity, or to schedule maintenance, repairs or new installations, contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
