When it comes to interior comfort, humidity is a major factor. We are all vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive or inadequate humidity on our health, our homes and our quality of life. If homeowners are aware of these effects, it becomes easier to make a home healthier and more pleasant place to live.
Dry Skin and Irritation
Keeping our skin supple and healthy requires a specific amount of moisture. Skin dryness and irritation are two of the most noticeable symptoms of low indoor humidity. Extremely dry air, especially in the winter when heating systems are running, can even cause skin to become flaky, dry, and cracked. This can be especially problematic for people with sensitive skin or skin problems like eczema.
Increased Risk of Respiratory Issues
Air humidity is an important factor in lung health. Mold, mildew, and dust mites — all of which can cause allergic reactions — grow easily in environments with too much moisture. Allergies to these substances can set off episodes of asthma and other respiratory difficulties and allergic responses. Conversely, when relative humidity is low, nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes become less lubricated and less effective at capturing and expelling airborne pathogens. As a consequence, respiratory problems are more likely to arise, making infections and diseases more prone to spreading easily.
Dehydration
The use of heating systems during the winter months can cause low indoor humidity, which can lead to dehydration. Increased fluid loss through the respiratory tract and skin occurs when air becomes drier because it takes moisture from our bodies. Symptoms include dry mouth, headaches, and exhaustion. Neglecting to treat dehydration can lead to more serious health complications, such as kidney issues or, in the worst circumstances, heat-related diseases.
Worsened Cold and Flu Symptoms
When breathing dry air, the nasal passages can become inflamed and dry, making it more difficult for the body to ensnare and eliminate germs. Not only can this prolong the effects of common colds and flu, but it can also make them worse. A dry throat, for instance, can cause itching and pain, while a dry nose can cause stuffiness or even bleeding. Improving the relative humidity in your house can help reduce these symptoms by maintaining moist mucous membranes, which are better equipped to fight off illness.
Increased Risk of Static Electricity
When there isn’t enough moisture in the air, electrical charges can accumulate on surfaces and garments, a phenomenon known as static electricity. Because of this, touching metal items or other people might cause unintended shocks. It can be annoying since it messes with gadgets and makes managing things like clinging clothing or frizzy hair a real pain. The presence of static electricity is a key sign that the humidity level in your home might be too low.
Difficulty Sleeping
Humidity levels, whether too high or too low, can impact how comfortable and pleasant sleep is. Because perspiration takes longer to evaporate in damp air, being in a humid environment hinders the body’s ability to cool down. As a result, the air may feel warmer than it actually is, which can cause discomfort, restlessness, and trouble falling asleep. Low humidity can cause dry airways and nasal passages, which in turn can also make it uncomfortable and difficult to breathe easily when sleeping.
Increased Perspiration
You might perspire more than normal if the relative humidity in your home is high. Sweat is the body’s natural way of cooling itself, but when the air is too humid, it can’t evaporate as quickly. In addition to adding to the risk of overheating, this can cause an unpleasant, sticky sensation. When combined with physical exertion, it can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion in the worst-case scenario.
Dry Eyes
When relative humidity is low, it can irritate and dry out the eyes, which is bad for eye health. This is because the tear film, which typically covers and protects the eyes, can evaporate more quickly in dry air, leaving them vulnerable and uncomfortable. A gritty sensation, redness, and itching are signs of dry eyes, which can make it feel like something is in the eye. Low humidity can also make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and can potentially raise the risk of eye infections for some people.
Damage to Wood Furniture and Floors
Wood has a natural tendency to absorb and release moisture, depending on the humidity of the air around it. Cracks, splits, and warping can occur when wood dries out due to low humidity. This can cause major problems with wooden furniture, flooring and other home furnishings. Wood, particularly flooring, can swell and buckle in extremely humid environments.
Increased Energy Bills
Because humidity determines how pleasant a particular temperature is, it can have an impact on your energy bills. You may need to turn on the air conditioner more often to stay comfortable indoors when the humidity is high because it makes it seem hotter than it actually is. The opposite is true during the winter months when low humidity could make the air feel chillier and cause you to crank up the heat. In both cases, energy use and associated expenses rise. Keeping the relative humidity in your home at a steady level will help you save money on your energy bills and make your house more energy efficient.
Whole-Home Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air that circulates through your home’s HVAC system is how a whole-house humidifier works. The standard installation method entails integrating it into your HVAC system and linking it to the ductwork. Humidifiers work by evaporating or dispersing water before distributing the resulting humidified air throughout a home. All whole-house humidifiers, whether steam, bypass, or fan-powered, work toward the same goal: a constant relative humidity within the house.
Whole-Home Dehumidifier
When installed in a home’s HVAC system, a whole-house dehumidifier can remove up to 80% of the moisture from the air. Once installed in the ductwork, it takes in humid air, cools it down to make it condensation, and then releases the collected water through a drain. The system then reheats the dried air and distributes it back to the living areas. By regulating the relative humidity within a space, this system not only improves air quality and decreases allergens, but also helps keep mold, musty smells and structural damage to wood at bay.
Humidity Control for Ductless Homes
The lack of central ducting makes humidity management more difficult for ductless dwellings. On the other hand, there are workable answers. Some ductless HVAC systems, including heat pumps and mini-split air conditioners, include dehumidification capabilities that allow them to control the relative humidity in a room. Another option for managing high humidity is to install independent dehumidifiers in strategic locations. You can even get whole-house humidifiers in the form of freestanding units that you can put in any room you like.
Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing is here to answer any questions you may have about indoor humidity control or indoor air quality. We offer a wide range of HVAC services in Hanover, MD, including installations, repairs, and maintenance. We also offer plumbing services, duct cleaning and air purifiers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and speak with an expert about humidity control.
