Everything you need to know about humidity in your home
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If you live in a dry climate, like many states in the Southwest Region of the U.S., a whole-house humidifier is a good investment to consider. You now know what is a good humidity level and how to measure humidity in a room. And now you know what to do, you can help maintain healthy levels of humidity in your home. One of the most important things you can do is check for air and water leaks throughout the house. Then, seal those problem areas with insulation, caulk, or rubber cement.
Again, if it doesn’t, the hygrometer needs to be replaced. For example, if you're getting shocked every time you touch a doorknob or if you’re waking up with dry nasal passages every morning, your home's humidity is likely too low. You might also notice that your houseplants are always dry no matter how many times you water them.
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Excessive humidity can also lead to spoilage or the warping of materials. Therefore, this scientific measure plays a huge role in the manufacture and shipment of pharmaceuticals, fuels, chemicals, paper, and wood. Using a portable hair dryer, dry an area that’s about 2 ft x 2 ft. Leave for around five minutes, and then note the temperatures of each thermometer. Wrap a wet piece of cloth around the bulb of the other thermometer – the wet thermometer.
Try to run your AC at least a few times a week to keep levels at bay. Good air circulation – even in winter - will allow excess moisture to escape and is key to warding off illness. Open windows regularly and use vent fans every time you are cooking and after taking a shower or bath. Allowing the air to circulate is a quick way to release trapped humidity. Excess moisture promotes the growth and spread of mold, mildew, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These contaminants diminish indoor air quality, causing illness, and can also cause damage to your home.
What is relative humidity?
The ideal indoor humidity level in summer is 40 to 50 percent; any higher than that and you run the risk of mold and mildew growth. This type of dehumidifier, which should be installed by an HVAC professional, removes moisture as the air cycles through the main vent system. Inadequate humidity in the house is also problematic, and can result in dry skin, sinus issues, and increased static electricity.
The best range is between 30% and 60% – this is ideal for maintaining balance and relative humidity levels. Anything higher or lower is not recommended and can lead to numerous health issues. This type of humidifier is a great option for bedrooms, living rooms, and nurseries.
Humidity Too Low Isn’t Any Better Than High Levels
They are a mechanical device that adds moisture to the air. Simple fixes around the home can help to improve humidity levels that are below the recommended 30%. While this can be quite a good method, the ice cube and glass technique is not as effective as using an actual hygrometer or a humidity monitor. Aside from the windows, you may also notice mold growth and the smell of mildew in the air. However, there are other signs that there is too much humidity in your house.
Now leave both the thermometers for around 15 minutes in the room you want to measure. If there is condensation on the outer surface of the glass the humidity of that room is pretty high. Do you know too high or too low humidity – both can invite health hazards and other problems??
To prevent clogs, clean your gutters once or twice a year . If you live on a property with a lot of leafy trees, you may want to consider installing a gutter guard. Meet Corentium Home by Airthings, a simple to use, battery-operated radon gas detector with display. Replacing existing air conditioning filters will help to ensure fresh air is being circulated. Go back and check the temperature on each thermometer and note them.
Wallpaper can start to bubble, and the paint on your walls might peel. Pests like termites, dust mites, and cockroaches, thrive in this type of warm, moist environment, and their presence can lead to health issues. Paying attention to what you bring into your home isn’t just good housekeeping practice; it’s also a great way to control humidity levels. For instance, if your clutter is taking over your basement and attic, you’re creating prime conditions for moisture buildup. If your humidity levels are off, your home will let you know.
For example, air, which is a gas mix, is made of pure gas elements such as nitrogen and oxygen. When a space or a gas holds the optimum water vapor at a certain temperature, it is classified as being saturated. If additional water is added to the saturated gas or if the temperature falls, the vapor condenses. A ratio or fraction expresses the amount of water vapor within a gas. This measure may represent the volume of a substance or be registered in terms of mass. This reading is a precise and overall measure of gas humidity, regardless of the temperature.
It’s important to test all living spaces; it may be that the excess moisture only occurs in specific rooms. What’s more concerning is that 17 percent don’t believe humidity can have any negative impact on our health at all. When the air is dry, meaning the humidity level is too low, you may experience dry skin, an irritated throat, or itchy eyes. A lack of moisture can also cause your wood floors or furniture to crack. A simple tool can help you avoid the home and health challenges that arise from too much or too little humidity.
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