WHY IS BALANCING YOUR HOME’S HUMIDITY IMPORTANT
Humidity is often taken for granted when it comes to home comfort. It is a real concern that affects almost all aspects of our home. From our health to wood flooring. Here are some reasons why it is important to keep the humidity level of your home balanced.
Absolute humidity VS relative humidity
The basic reading of humidity is absolute humidity. It computes the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity refers to the amount of water in the air relative to the temperature. Cold air holds less moisture than hot air. This is why relative humidity at a high temperature is more noticeable. The humidity expressed as a percentage is a relative humidity. This is what you see during the news or read on papers. Absolute humidity and relative humidity are not terms you should interchange with. Relative humidity has a greater effect on indoor air quality.
Impact of humidity on the quality of air indoors
The breathability of the air in your home depends on a lot of things. Indoor air quality is the most important factor. Too low humidity will harm your respiratory system. There are many ailments that can develop if the humidity level of the air in your home is too low. It can also aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. High level of humidity is also not good. Dust mites, bacteria, and mold might be lethal if they multiply and get out of hand.
Significance of humidity on your home
Humidity does not only affect your family’s health but it also has a negative effect on your home. It is destructive on wood surfaces. Wood needs enough moisture to keep its form. A too low level of humidity will prevent that. Each grain in the wood has a different reaction to humidity. Cracking and checking or splitting of wood occurs when it is not up to the right level. It destroys hardwood flooring and furniture. It is also expensive to fix this. You cannot always tell if your relative humidity is too low. It will be too late when you see that the wood surfaces in your home are already damaged.
A too high level of humidity is also harmful. But it is easier to identify. Water forming on windows and walls or excess moisture pooling on surfaces is a sign of too high humidity. Wood cups or warps when there’s excess moisture. It destroys both engineered and natural hardwood flooring. High humidity can get into walls and underneath the flooring. This will cause rotting over time.
It is important to always check the humidity level of your home. Sensors in HVAC systems will ensure that the humidity level of your home is perfect. Addressing issues as early as you notice them will prevent further damage.
