What’s the Best Humidity Level by Season?

What is humidity? In simple terms, it is the level of water vapor in the air. From day to day, too much of this moisture can make the air feel heavy, while not enough makes the air feel dry. When it comes to humidity in relation to the comfort of your home, this will depend on the current season and average temperature.

From winter to fall, how can homeowners maintain the best level of humidity?

When Humidity Matters Most

During the cooler months of spring and fall, humidity tends to be less of a concern for homeowners. The windows and doors can be left open to bring fresh air inside and sleeping temperatures are naturally comfortable. However, not every season is so mild.

When the scorching hot days of summer and the freezing cold days of winter roll around, the last thing you want is a dry or sticky home. Summer air retains more moisture than winter air, resulting in muggy conditions.

What Levels Are Comfortable?

A healthy indoor space has 45 to 55 percent humidity. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommend this as the optimal range of relative humidity for buildings year-round.

When your home’s humidity level is less than 30 percent, this lack of moisture can result in vulnerability to respiratory illness and cause wood furniture and floors to become damaged. Humidifiers can be used to encourage development of water vapor in the air.

At 60 percent or higher, mold can form. In some cases, this fungus can be deadly. The air in your home will also feel heavy at high humidity, making the atmosphere very uncomfortable. In addition to a dehumidifier, an air conditioning system or exhaust fan can help remove excess moisture from your interior rooms.

At M.J. Fahy & Sons, we have the knowledge and experience to perform efficient maintenance. When your HVAC systems are no longer functioning properly, don’t hesitate to contact us for service.