Steam Room or Sauna? The Role of Humidity in Comfort
The phrase, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” is common among residents in the South. When the humidity spikes people generally feel hotter than on a day with regular humidity levels. Excessive humidity definitely makes you less comfortable. How does it impact your air conditioning system?
Understanding the humidity’s effect on your home’s air conditioning system and knowing which products will help most can make your home more comfortable during a heat wave.
In Atlanta, Georgia, HVAC contractor Estes Services knows dealing with humidity on a daily basis is typical. When the air is saturated with moisture, residents seek refuge with air conditioning inside their homes.
Unfortunately, your air conditioning can’t always combat excessive moisture on its own, which leaves your home feeling clammy and uncomfortable. High humidity levels are also an ideal environment for mold, mildew, and dust mites to grow.
Dust mites, mold, and mildew are common triggers for those with allergies and asthma, which cause breathing issues and irritation with your eyes, nose and throat.
Excessive moisture also prevents your body from naturally cooling off by sweating. The sweat on your skin evaporates into the air, although if the humidity is too thick inside your home, your sweat won’t fade, leaving you feeling sticky and overheated.
Estes Services To the Rescue – Regardless of Your HVAC Issue
It’s important to know low humidity levels aren’t a good idea either. When your home is too dry, it affects your health and your home. Not enough moisture enables cold and flu viruses to take root in your home and spread quickly. Dry air impacts those with allergies and asthma, which can cause sinus and respiratory infections.
Depending on your elevation and locale, dryness may not be a pressing issue. If it is, however, especially during winter months, your home will feel colder, which forces you to turn up the thermostat to get warm. Any wood in your home, such as floors, doors or furniture, will crack and splinter when the air is too dry. In this case, humidifiers are the solution.
For the long summer weather season in greater Atlanta, there are ways to balance the moisture levels in your home using a whole-home dehumidifier.
The ideal humidity level in your home is between 35 and 50 percent, which prevents microorganisms, such as mold, dust mites, and other airborne germs, from growing. Once you know how humidity affects your health, you can take preventative measures to control it in your home.
Control Humidity in Your Air Conditioning Now
There are ways to balance the moisture levels in your home using a whole-home dehumidifier.
Once you know how humidity affects your health, you can take better steps to curb it. A whole-home dehumidifier and possibly a humidifier are the answers to finding and maintaining your ideal humidity level in your home.
Both work seamlessly with your current heating and air conditioning system, which allows every room in your home to receive the precise moisture it needs. Our HVAC technicians know which system is best for your home and will suggest options fitting your budget and humidity needs.
Enjoy a healthier life indoors with the right indoor air quality products, plus annual maintenance for your air conditioning and humidity-controlling equipment.
Understanding and managing your ideal humidity levels is essential for your health and air conditioning comfort. Learn more about controlling moisture in your home by contacting Estes Services.
