The Ideal Humidity Level for Inside Your Home During the Winter
One of the most common complaints that we receive from customers in the winter is that their home feels too dry when they have the furnace running. This is a valid concern, as managing the humidity level in your home is just as important as maintaining the temperature.
For comfort and health reasons, the EPA recommends indoor humidity level is between 30-50%. If you have trouble keeping your home in that range, you can install a whole-home humidifier system to keep your home comfortable and safe.
How humidity affects your health
It’s not always easy to maintain the proper humidity range indoors, especially during the winter. When the humidity level inside your home is too high or low, it can impact your well-being and certain medical issues.
Dry air can contribute to:
- Repository or sinus issues
- Nosebleed
- Sore throat
- Dry, cracked skin or lips
On the other hand, too much moisture in the air can aggravate:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Sleeping issues
How humidity affects your home
In addition to your personal health, extreme humidity levels can have negative consequences on your home and personal items. When the humidity is high, it can create an environment for mold growth. It doesn’t take long for mold to spread and cause damage to wood, drywall, upholstery, or other materials. In the winter, you may also notice condensation on your windows, which is a sign that the humidity level is too high. If ignored, moisture could build up and cause wood rot around the window frame.
How to manage humidity in your home
To keep your home at the recommended 30-50% range, you could manually measure the humidity level in your home with a hygrometer and run a small humidifier as needed. However, this can be inconvenient and limited. The better approach is to install a whole-home humidifier that works with your heating system to monitor and maintain a proper humidity level at all times.
Humidifier systems in Southern California
If you’re looking to improve the comfort and indoor air quality of your home, talk to the experts at Liberty Plumbing. We can recommend and professionally install the best humidifier system for your home. For a consultation and estimate in the Murrieta, San Diego, or Winchester areas, call us today at (951) 760-4215.