Energy Costs
Low humidity can cause higher energy costs. This may seem counterintuitive, but dry skin makes the air feel colder. This usually causes homeowners to turn up the thermostat, and then the hot, dry air continues to cause dry skin. It’s really a vicious cycle. The only way to break it is to increase the humidity level in the home, or to use less heat. Often, using less heat isn’t an option, so increasing the humidity is the best way to go.
Health
The humidity level of the air inside a home can greatly affect health. Allergies or health problems can be worsened by high or low humidity levels. Low humidity can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory issues, and high humidity can allow allergens to breed and cause health problems related to mold and mildew. Keeping home humidity levels in the correct range can help keep health problems and allergies at bay.
Damage to Possessions
Very dry air in the home can cause a lot of damage to personal items, and the house itself. The ceilings and walls can crack in dry environments, as well as the trim or wood flooring possibly shrinking and separating from other materials. Low humidity can also damage expensive items such as pianos, or electronic equipment.
High Humidity
A lot of homeowners may read about the dangers of low humidity, and try to overcompensate to make sure the humidity in the home is high enough. Though we understand the worry that low humidity can bring, it’s important to understand that high humidity can be just as damaging as low humidity. High humidity can cause water damage, mold, and an increase in mites or fungi in the air.
Hygrometers
The best way to keep tabs on home humidity levels is through the use of a hygrometer. Hygrometers measure the humidity of an area and report it in the percent of water saturation of the air. These tools are relatively inexpensive, and are a great way to make sure humidity levels aren’t getting too high, or too low.
It is very important to keep track of home humidity levels. Both high and low humidity can cause health problems, home and possession damage, and can potentially cause high energy costs. There are small humidifiers that may solve the problem of dry air in small rooms, but larger issues or too high of humidity should be solved by professionals. There are large humidifiers or de-humidifiers that can be installed into some HVAC systems. For those with HVAC in Minneapolis, we suggest contacting a professional to see if these options may be compliant with the currently owned system.