10/23/2018

Humidity & Your Home


What do the following things have in common?

  • The indoor air quality in your home
  • Household mold issues
  • Asthma and allergies
  • The way that your house smells
  • The longevity of interior decor elements such as paint and wallpaper
  • Your level of comfort in your home

On first glance, you're likely thinking that there is no possible way one single thing could influence all of the above areas - but there is one, singular aspect of your home that is capable of influencing all of the above, and many more besides: humidity.

What is humidity?

Humidity is essentially a catch-all term for the amount of water in the air. The term is often used to describe the weather, and most of us know that high humidity tends to mean hot, stifling, and sweaty conditions.

Why is your home's humidity important?

When it comes to your home, humidity is best approached from a question of balance. You have to walk a fine line between "too humid" and "not humid enough" as mentioned dehumidifiertable.com and failure to find this perfect balance can have a number of consequences.

What are the consequences if humidity is too high?

If your home's air is too humid, then you can find yourself struggling with issues such as mold and mildew. These problems are unsightly, but they can also be harmful to health, causing issues with allergies and particularly asthma. As a result, if you identify these unpleasant growths, it's essential to opt for mold remediation services as soon as possible to ensure your family's health is protected.

Also, if your home is too humid, then it won't be particularly pleasant to live in - you'll sweat more during summer, and likely feel colder and more clammy during winter. You may also notice an unpleasant odor; a smell of dampness that is difficult to eradicate.

Finally, high humidity can be problematic for your home decor - if your walls are wet, the paint will peel, and wallpaper will refuse to adhere to the surface.

What are the consequences if humidity is too low?

Low humidity is not quite as catastrophic as high humidity, but it's still problematic. Low humidity can also cause health issues; asthma and allergies are more easily irritated, as are issues such as dry mouth or dry eyes.

You may also experience decor-related issues too; wooden furniture may warp or shrink, and - oddly enough! - if you have a piano, you may struggle to keep it in tune.

How can you achieve a good humidity balance in your home?

Assess the humidity levels in your home and use these as a baseline to decide your next steps.

If your home is too humid…

  • Use a dehumidifier
  • Open your windows as frequently as possible
  • Avoid drying clothes indoors, as this can make humidity worse

If your home is not humid enough…

  • Use a humidifier
  • Turn your central heating and/or air conditioning to its lowest setting
  • Place bowls of water around your home and leave to evaporate
In conclusion

By maintaining balanced humidity in your home, you can be sure of protecting the health and comfort of your family and preserve your home's decor and aesthetics. Good luck!

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