Indoor humidity is a significant factor in home comfort. Too much humidity or too little, either can make you uncomfortable, and both can affect your health and the condition of your home and furnishings. That’s why maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent is important. In the Los Angeles area, where humid offshore breezes come from one direction and hot, dry desert winds blow in from the other, humidity control can be challenging. However, with a little planning and the proper equipment, ideal humidity levels can be maintained within your home all year round.
High humidity levels can make your home feel stuffy and oppressive during the summer and cold and clammy in the cooler months. Excess moisture in the air can cause condensation, typically collecting in places like windows and walls. Walls and furnishings absorb moisture when humidity is high, which can lead to swollen or rotting wood, water stained ceilings or walls, development of mold or mildew, and increased growth of bacteria and dust mites. These conditions can cause illness or irritate the respiratory system, especially in those affected by allergies, asthma or other chronic health conditions.
Controlling excess humidity requires efficient ventilation for high moisture areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air, particularly if they are newer, two-stage systems. If those measures do not yield ideal humidity, a dehumidifier is the next step. Whole house dehumidifiers are typically most effective, but stand-alone units can be helpful as well.
Dry air increases risk of respiratory infections, since viruses and bacteria can more easily penetrate parched nasal passages, and dry, irritated bronchial passages can lead to breathing difficulties. Wood flooring, trim and furniture can shrink and crack, and static electricity can become a hazard to electronics. Dry air is best remedied with a whole-house humidifier, which will work with your HVAC system to maintain ideal humidity throughout the home.
For more expert tips on attaining ideal humidity in your home, please contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. We’ve been serving the Los Angeles area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about humidity and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock