You are certainly not alone if you believe that your home’s heating and cooling appliances play the sole role in how comfortable you are inside all year long. There is, however, more to it than having a high-quality central air conditioning unit, a state-of-the-art furnace, and all of the necessary ductwork. You also need to make sure the humidity in your house is at a comfortable level no matter what the weather is outdoors. Both North Carolina and South Carolina tend to have humid climates, so this is especially crucial for homeowners in this region.
If you’ve never given this issue much thought before, you are in the right place. Each of the following paragraphs features a question you are probably already asking yourself about humidifiers and your home. The answers that are provided here should help you understand more about keeping the humidity in your residence as low as possible and, therefore, keeping your family as comfortable as they can be.
What level of interior humidity should I aim for?
As a general rule, the human body does not react well to humidity higher than 50%. On the flip side, however, interior humidity below 30% is also extremely uncomfortable for most people. Ideally, the humidity inside of your house should be somewhere between 40% and 50%. If you, like many other Carolina homeowners, have no idea what your average interior humidity is right now, you can measure it with a hydrometer. This device functions similarly to a thermometer, but measures humidity rather than outright temperature.
How does my air conditioner impact my home?
The majority of people are unaware of the fact that air conditioners actually function dehumidifiers. As they cool the air in your house, they also remove extra moisture from the air. This can make it feel even colder than it truly is, causing you and your family to experience discomfort. If, however, you turn the temperature on your thermostat up, you may become too warm from moisture build-up. If you are having a problem with your residential cooling unit, contact a local Carolina HVAC professional to assess the situation and find out if you need a humidifier or a different size AC unit.
How does my furnace impact my home?
Although furnaces function differently than air conditioners, they can also drain moisture from the air, leaving your house feeling dry, overly hot, and generally uncomfortable. The old-fashioned remedy for this issue is to place a glass Mason jar filled with water on each register grate. Today, though, the best solution is to talk to an HVAC professional about having a whole-house humidifier installed. This will help to improve your indoor air quality no matter what season it is.
To find a reputable North Carolina or South Carolina heating and cooling specialist, talk to people you know and read online reviews. This will help you learn more about the various experts who serve your region and, ultimately, select a professional who can handle your job in a responsible manner. Choosing a trustworthy contractor is key to any successful residential renovation job, whether it involves HVAC or something else entirely.