Merrimack, NH Homeowner Finds Out the Importance of Humidity
During the winter months, a decrease in humidity left unaddressed in the home can result in number of health irritations, from dry skin to bloody noses and sore throats. Low humidity can also exacerbate asthma and other respiratory problems for anyone living in the home. In the summer, humidity levels left unchecked can run high. This can put your home at risk for mold growth and other bacteria that can be harmful to the health of everyone in the home.
A Merrimack homeowner had noticed that with the onset of the colder temperatures he was being plagued by a sore throat and itchy eyes, despite not being sick.
Humidity Levels Impact Indoor Air Quality
In the winter, the optimal humidity levels in a home are between 30 and 40 percent. Summer allows for higher humidity levels, with an ideal setting between 40 and 60 percent. When not controlled, your home’s humidity levels can fluctuate with the seasons and the outdoor air temperature. Unbalanced humidity levels, either too humid or not humid enough, can impact the indoor air quality. Homeowners often assume the irritants causing their respiratory problems are attributed to pollen, dust and other contaminants. However, in many cases improper humidity levels are to blame.
The Best Way to Control Your Home’s Humidity Levels
The easiest way to control your home’s humidity levels is through the HVAC unit. More modern systems come equipped with a smart thermostat. This allows you to not only control the temperature setting, but you can also set a range for the humidity level. By controlling your humidity levels through the heating and air conditioning unit, this can be one less thing that you need to think about.
The Merrimack homeowner found that with late fall his home’s humidity levels were significantly lower than the ideal setting. By programming the humidity through his home’s thermostat, he is now able to control this and has already seen a big difference in his overall health.
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