How to tell if your humidity is too low?
Typical symptoms of having too little humidity in your home could include: chapped skin and lips, scratchy nose and throat, breathing problems, static and sparks, and problems with electronic equipment. You might notice that you get an electric shock when you touch your stereo or DVD player after walking across the living room carpet. That is caused by low humidity and dryness. Long term effects of too little humidity could be a continuing discomfort and damage to furniture and other items.
Measuring Humidity in your Home
To check for low humidity in your home, consider purchasing a hygrometer. They’re easy to use and inexpensive and will be able to tell you if you have too much or too little humidity in your home. You can pick up a hygrometer at your local hardware store, department store, building supply store or even electronics store. When using it, make sure you don’t place it near anywhere that might generate direct heat like a heat register or chimney. Remember that it doesn’t give instant results and might take up to two hours to give a stable reading in each location in your home.
Can you have too little humidity?
Experts have given us a general rule of thumb regarding humidity levels in your house. Keep in mind these are guidelines only and variables like weather, seasons, location, type of house, and type of room should be considered.
To prevent window condensation during the heating season, the recommended indoor RH is 30 per cent to 50 per cent. When it is below -10°C (14°F) outdoors, recommended indoor RH is 30 per cent.
Fighting Dry Air
Low humidity in our homes is usually caused by the cold, dry air leaking in from outside. The first thing you could do to try to battle that problem is check over your windows and doors and make sure everything is properly sealed up with weather-stripping and caulking. This will also help you keep the heat and energy in your home and could help save on heating costs as well.
Purchasing a humidifier will help you reach the appropriate relative humidity level. You can get a high performance humidifier that will humidify up to 2500 square feet. Make sure your humidifier is installed properly by contacting professionals like Weiss-Johnson, heating and air conditioning contractors in Edmonton. It is also important to take care of your humidifier and carry out the minimal maintenance required, ensuring it keeps your relative humidity at a comfortable level for years to come. Learn how to use a humidifier.
Humidifier Benefits
There are many health benefits to having a home humidifier. You’ll feel the difference in the back of your throat and your skin. If you suffer from asthma, you’ll start to feel the positive effects of a moisturized respiratory system. It also increases the oxygen level and that can reduce headaches, fight fatigue and overall tiredness.
You are not the only thing in the house that will benefit from a humidifier. Having the right amount of moisture in the air will increase the lifespan of your furniture and household items. Wood floors, plaster and paint will not dry out and crack. Plus, raising humidity levels will help lower your heating bill.
Purchasing a Humidifier
Weiss-Johnson’s whole-home humidifiers will help you avoid dry air, preventing health issues and home damages. They have several models to choose from and their expert staff will help you find a humidifier that is the right size for your home and that will suit your specific needs. Weiss-Johnson is also an industry leader in the installation of furnaces, air conditioners, humidifiers, HVAC service, ventilation, indoor air quality, and parts.
Contact Weiss-Johnson today!
