Thursday 07.12 2018

It’s Not the Heat…It’s the Humidity

The summer in our area can bring amazing weather. It can also bring with it some amazingly hot and sticky weather.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” In our area of the country we can have a tough battle with high humidity which leaves us feeling hot, muggy and damp.

What is humidity anyway?

Humidity is simply the amount of water vapor in the air. It’s what helps to form clouds, rain, and lightning and thunder. When the humidity level is high, there is a lot of moisture already in the air and this can eventually lead to rain. Humidity is a very important part of our environment, but it can lead to some challenges too.

How does humidity impact us?

Our body uses sweat as a way to regulate temperature. When it’s hot out, we sweat and the air around rids us of this moisture and cools us off. When the humidity levels in the air are high, there is already a lot of moisture in the air and our sweat won’t evaporate (and we can’t cool off). That’s why high humidity levels in the air can make an 80 degree day seem even hotter than it is. Likewise, when humidity levels are low it can feel much cooler than it actually is.

What is the most comfortable humidity level?

Environmental studies show that the most comfortable humidity level is around 45%.

In the winter, many people will turn on a humidifier with their HVAC system to help add moisture into the air. Doing this makes the air feel warmer and can help cut down on your heating bills (more info on whole-house humidifiers).

In the summer, using a dehumidifier in your home helps to pull out moisture from the air. By keeping a lower moisture level in the home, the temperature feels cooler and more comfortable.

Should I install a whole-house dehumidifier?

High humidity levels can make the air feel much warmer than it actually is. It can also have a few other consequences for your home and family. Here’s why installing a whole-house dehumidifier makes so much sense for our area:

Alleviate allergens and breathe easier.

High moisture levels provide a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew and also allows dust mites a comfortable home where they can thrive. Mold, mildew and dust mites can trigger allergies and make things unbearable for those who suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions. By eliminating excess moisture levels, you can drastically reduce alleging levels.

Eliminate moisture damage.

Showering and cooking add a LOT of moisture to your home. In the summer months when air moisture levels are already high this water can’t evaporate in the air, it builds up on windows and other areas of your home. This excess water can lead to rotting issues and mildew growth. A whole-house dehumidifier will help remove this excess moisture so it doesn’t cause damage throughout your home.

Create consistent moisture levels throughout your home.

A stand-alone dehumidifier can help remove moisture from a room, but doesn’t help the rest of the house. A whole-house dehumidifier works together with your HVAC system to ensure moisture levels throughout the entire home are consistent.

Reduce cooling costs.

As mentioned above, high moisture levels make the air feel much hotter than it is. That means you need to turn your thermostat even lower and use more energy to stay cool. Using a whole-house dehumidifier allows you to reduce that moisture level to a comfortable range and makes the air in your home feel cooler. This helps to limit the stress on your A/C unit and lower energy consumption (saving your money).

Looking to install a whole-house dehumidifier?

The experts at TJ’s Plumbing & Heating can help. We will help identify the right whole-house humidity control solution to keep your home feeling comfortable year-round. Contact us today for a free estimate on installing a whole-house dehumidifier today.

 

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