Step outside on a summer day, and it’s easy to feel the effects of humidity - sticky skin, sweat, and air that is thick with moisture. But when it comes to the humidity inside, those tell-tale signs are replaced by itching, sneezing, and coughing, which are not limited to just the summer months.
The word humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. So, how is that microscopic water molecules can make you itch, sneeze and cough? These symptoms arise when people have allergic reactions to the organisms that thrive in excess humidity. "Humidity promotes mold growth and dust mite population growth. Both are significant indoor allergens and set off allergic sensitivity and can trigger rhinitis and asthma," said Dr. Michael Ruff, an allergist who works to raise awareness about asthma and allergies for the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
These are things that people can’t see or feel, but they live on countertops, table surfaces, carpet, pillows, mattresses - just about anywhere that people are. They also depend on warm temperatures and high humidity to live and grow. If you are reaching for a tissue, or heading to the doctor’s office, then keeping the humidity inside your home at 50% or lower may provide some relief. The lower the humidity, the lower the growth.
Keep in mind…..
Don’t Dry Out
Air that is too dry inside your home can cause skin irritations, difficulty breathing, and static electricity.
Low indoor humidity is a bigger issue in winter months, when heaters and cooler temperatures combine to lower the moisture level in the air.
The amount of humidity in your indoor air can be detrimental to your home, and your health. High humidity in a home can create havoc. This is especially true for homes in Southern States, as moisture attracts bugs, and other pests. Moisture can condensate inside walls, and cause your home to rot. It’s not as obvious on the outside, but moisture can accumulate on the interior of walls creating mold, and fungus build-up.
Solutions
If you suspect that the air in your home is too moist or too dry, then the first thing to do is to have it verified. The safest range for your humidity level is between 45-55%. If you are struggling to control the humidity in your home, there are a couple of possibilities. If your home is too dry, then the use of a humidifier can help control the amount of moisture in the air. If your home is considered too wet, then a de-humidifier can help you gain control of the comfort level in your home. Prior to purchasing additional HVAC equipment, have a NATE certified technician from Tempo Mechanical perform a moisture reading of your home.
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