Abnormal humidity levels inside your home can affect everything from your comfort to your health. They can even have an impact on the home’s structure. Your furnishings might warp, the rooms may feel clammy, and you may even need to hire a mold removal professional. If this is an issue in your house, here’s what you should know about the effects and what you can do.
How Abnormal Humidity Impacts Your Body & Home
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends a relative indoor humidity range of anywhere from 30% to 50% for homes. Anything lower or higher than this can have adverse effects on your family’s health. When the air is too arid, it can cause skin to become dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. Hair may develop a static finish, and your lips may become chapped. Low humidity may also encourage colds and the flu, as it causes the respiratory system to dry, leading to vulnerable, irritated passages.
By contrast, elevated humidity levels leave the air feeling sticky and clammy. As a result, you may feel lethargic. Also, more importantly, your body will sweat when it’s humid in the house. Under normal circumstances, the sweat evaporates and helps the body cool off. Humidity negates this natural process, and the body compensates by sweating even more. That, in turn, forces the respiratory system to work harder. As you lose water, you’re also at risk of dehydration.
Finally, enough humidity can also support mold formation, which can produce allergic symptoms in some people. Prompt mold removal is key to preventing discomfort.
Wood furnishings depend on environmental factors to retain their condition. They can absorb and lose moisture easily. If the air is too dry, the wood may shrink, causing it to warp or crack along the sides. Also, too much humidity causes the wood to swell, and, in severe cases, it may break. Plus, mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours of exposure and will escalate if moisture levels aren’t brought under control.
How to Control Humidity Levels in the Home
You can raise low levels by using a humidifier. If it’s particularly dry, ask a contractor about installing a product directly to your HVAC system. You can also encourage more moisture in the air by boiling water uncovered on the stove, and limiting baths and opting for showers, instead. When there’s too much moisture, a central dehumidifier can balance your air. Adequately ventilate the bathrooms, kitchen, basement, and laundry room, and use cool or lukewarm water when showering.
Are you concerned about abnormal humidity levels in your home? Turn to Arkansas Restoration Services in Russellville, AR. Serving Yell, Conway, Pope, and Johnson counties, the company offers mold removal, dehumidification, and water damage restoration services to ensure that your family remains healthy. Visit them online for information, or call (479) 967-2018 to schedule an appointment.
