As any HVAC contractor will attest, humidity is one of the most important factors in temperature control and home comfort. The amount of moisture in the air directly impacts the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. The guide below provides a detailed look at how this environmental factor alters your equipment and how you can best account for it. 

What Homeowners Should Know About Humidity 

What Effect It Has on Air Conditioning

Humidity exacerbates heat. Perspiration, which is designed to help you cool down, is less effective in humid weather because the air is already laden with moisture and evaporation occurs less readily. Humidity control is thus an important part of air conditioning. Unfortunately, the system must work doubly hard on muggy days, and you may find that even though the indoor air temperature is cool, it still feels swampy.

A whole-house dehumidifier will work wonders by removing the excess moisture from the air before it reaches the air conditioner. It will also reduce wear and tear on your central cooling equipment, prolonging its life. In addition, make sure you run the exhaust fan during showers and check your dryer vent for clogs so moist air can evacuate effectively. 

What It Means for Your Heating System

Cold air can’t retain as much moisture as warm air, so in winter, dryness is a problem. It leads to chapped lips, flaking skin, and static electricity in clothing, among other discomforts. You can try to increase humidity in your home by leaving pans of water to evaporate in rooms where you spend the most time. However, the easiest and most effective method is to have a whole-house or single-room humidifier. It releases a mist in the air that helps you feel warmer in cold weather, protects your skin from drying out, and keeps clothing from sticking to your body or causing your hair to stand on end.

How an HVAC Contractor Will Help

An HVAC contractor will help get your home ready to handle humidity – or lack thereof – in any season. These professionals will install a whole-house dehumidifier or humidifier, or help you determine where to place your freestanding unit for optimum benefit. They can also conduct an inspection and cleaning of your ventilation system to ensure you’re getting the best airflow possible.  

For help adding or removing humidity, contact Thomaston Oil, a trusted HVAC contractor in Thomaston, CT. This family-owned and -operated company has served Litchfield County for more than 30 years. They offer all the services your home needs to stay comfortable, from boiler and furnace repair to heating oil delivery. Visit their website to learn more about their cooling services or call (860) 283-4878 to schedule an appointment.