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Ideal Humidity Levels for Maximum Comfort And How to Get Them

Home-Humidifier

SoCal winters are generally mild. However, that doesn’t stop all Los Angeles residents from turning up their heating dial to enhance the comfort of their homes. However, heat can instantly zap the moisture from your indoor air, leaving you feeling dry and itchy.

In order to stay comfy all year long, it’s essential to find the ideal balance of humidity and heat. Thankfully, the heating and air conditioning services in Los Angeles experts at Global Green Solutions are here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about achieving the perfect humidity levels for optimal home comfort. 

What is Relative Humidity?

As temperatures rise or fall, the capacity of air to hold water will also fluctuate. Hotter temperatures allow air to hold more water. Cold air has a tougher time holding water. This is why you’ll see dew on your lawn during chilly winter mornings.

Relative humidity is a term describing how much humidity is present in the air, compared to how much there could be. When temperatures drop to the dew point or the point at which air cannot hold onto water, relative humidity becomes 100%.

What’s the Best Humidity Levels for Los Angeles Homes? 

The first step to achieving ideal humidity levels in your home is knowing what those levels are. During the hot summer months, the average humidity levels in your home should range between 30% and 45%. In the winter, relative humidity levels should fall below 40% in order to avoid window condensation. 

If these levels aren’t properly maintained, your home will become dry and uncomfortable. You may also notice physical symptoms, such as dry, flaky skin and respiratory issues.

Moreover, improper humidity levels can also damage your home, both inside and out. While excessive moisture can encourage the growth of mold, low amounts of moisture will wreak havoc on wooden furniture and other beloved possessions.

A good rule of thumb to follow is the following humidity level suggestions from ASHRAE: 

Comfortable: 30% – 60%

Recommended: 45% – 55%

High: 55% – 80%

To keep your home comfortable, aim to keep the humidity between 30% and 60%. Anything above that would be too dry and anything above 60% is too humid, increasing your risk of a mold infestation.

Health Benefits of Proper Humidity Levels

Maintaining the right humidity levels in your home come with many health perks, including:

  • Clearer sinuses and better breathing
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Smooth, hydrated skin
  • Better sleep quality
  • Fewer instances of sore throat
  • A hydrated and healthy body

Moreover, maintaining the proper humidity levels can benefit your home too. Global Green Solution’s team of heater repair specialists has seen homes with the right humidity preserve paintings, pictures, and wooden furniture.

Drawbacks of High and Low Humidity

Having humidity levels in your home that are too high or too low can present a unique set of challenges.

Too much humidity can promote the growth of mold and bacteria in your house. Mold can put your home, and your health, at risk. Since mold eats away at any surface it grows on, it can harm the structural integrity of your home. Additionally, mold can cause breathing problems, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Low humidity levels can make conducive environments for viruses and bacteria. Other drawbacks of low humidity levels include rashes, chapped lips, and dry skin. 

As you can see, it’s crucial to maintain the proper levels of humidity in your home all year long.

How Can You Achieve an Ideal Humidity Level? 

Fortunately, there are many simple steps you can take to maintain proper humidity levels in your home. The A/C repair experts at Global Green Solutions recommend that you: 

  • Purchase a humidifier or dehumidifier: One of the best solutions to set ideal humidity levels in your home is with the help of a humidifier or dehumidifier. These effective appliances can either increase or decrease the moisture levels in your indoor air.
  • Exhaust fans: In our opinion, the most cost-effective solution to maintain the right humidity levels in your house is with an exhaust fan. These fans efficiently circulate air throughout your home, preventing humidity buildup. They’re especially useful in rooms that see high humidity levels from hot showers or cooking.
  • Smart controllers: Smart AC controllers, also known as mini-split thermostats, automatically monitor and maintain your home’s humidity levels. Best of all, you can control the humidity right from your smartphone!
  • Houseplants: Creating a mini jungle in your home is a great way to control humidity levels. Not to mention, plants add instant beauty to any space.

Is Your HVAC Contributing to Your Humidity Problems?

Humidity-Reader

Did you know that your HVAC system contributes to the humidity levels in your home? That’s right! When your air conditioning is working efficiently, it will remove the proper amounts of both moisture and heat from the air. If it’s not working, your humidity levels could drastically fluctuate.

If you need an awesome A/C repair team in Los Angeles, look no further than NATE-certified technicians at Global Green Solutions today!

Enjoy Optimal Comfort in Your Los Angeles Home Today

If your home has super high or low humidity levels, your HVAC system might be to blame. If you need an experienced crew of highly-skilled professionals, call Global Green Solutions now. With over 10 years of experience, our fully licensed bonded, and insured team is here for you when you need us the most.

To enjoy optimal comfort and ideal humidity levels in your LA home all year long, contact us today by calling (888) 860-4826. We look forward to seeing you soon!