As springtime arrives and summer gets closer and closer, folks in Florida expect to be relying on their air conditioners again pretty soon. And keeping your home at a reasonable temperature is definitely important. But did you know that there’s something else that might affect your home comfort just as much? High humidity in your home is a significant issue in Florida.
There’s a specific level of humidity that people are most comfortable at, and we’d like to help you get your home to that level to make it as comfortable as possible.
Ideal Humidity Levels
People are most comfortable when the relative humidity in their homes is somewhere between 30 and 50%. Because Florida’s humidity is so high—in fact, we have the second-highest average humidity of any state in the country—it is nearly impossible to keep the humidity levels in a Florida home low enough without a dehumidifier.
How Humidity Affects Comfort
Our bodies use perspiration to cool us down. When the humidity is at a proper level, a tiny amount of perspiration will evaporate quickly, lowering body temperatures. When the humidity level is too high, that perspiration is unable to evaporate into the already-saturated humid air.
This means that the same temperature can feel comfortable when the relative humidity is 40% but much too hot at a humidity level of 60%. And when a small amount of perspiration can’t cool us down, our bodies try harder, perspiring more and leaving us sweaty and uncomfortable.
Other Effects of High Humidity
Some other ways that high humidity affects the human body are nasal congestion and other respiratory problems such as an increase in allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. And that same high humidity can even do damage to your home.
Peeling paint and warped woodwork are a few of the things that can result from humid air. Condensation can develop on windows, dripping into window frames and causing water damage. And bacteria and mold can only grow when there’s sufficient moisture. These can create stains and messes, contribute to respiratory problems and poor health, and make your home smell unpleasant.
Whole House Dehumidifiers
While portable dehumidifiers are an option, they tend to work best in small, contained spaces such as a dorm room or studio apartment. To keep an entire house at optimal humidity levels, whole house dehumidifiers are the best choice.
There are many options available to suit your home, your needs, and your budget. The most important aspect of a whole house dehumidifier is getting a reliable professional to help you determine the size your home requires and to get it properly installed.
Amateur installation can lead to a host of problems, some of which could be worse than the humidity you’re trying to fix. And when you need dehumidifier services in Pensacola Beach, you should also choose a provider that will be with you for the long haul, offering maintenance and repair as well as installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the ideal humidity level for a home?
Answer: The ideal indoor relative humidity is generally between 30% and 50%. Keeping humidity within this range can make your home feel more comfortable while limiting problems associated with excessive moisture. In humid climates such as Florida, maintaining this range may require additional humidity control beyond normal air conditioning.
Question: Why does high humidity make a house feel hotter?
Answer: High humidity makes it harder for perspiration to evaporate from your skin, reducing the body’s natural cooling effect. As a result, a room can feel warmer and more uncomfortable even when the thermostat setting has not changed. Proper humidity control can help your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
Question: What problems can high humidity cause in a home?
Answer: Excessive indoor humidity can contribute to condensation, peeling paint, warped woodwork, water damage, unpleasant odors, and conditions that support mold and bacteria. High humidity may also worsen discomfort and some respiratory symptoms. Managing excess moisture helps protect both indoor comfort and parts of the home from moisture-related damage.
Question: How can I lower the humidity in my house?
Answer: A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from indoor air and maintain a more comfortable humidity level. Portable units may work well for individual rooms or small spaces. For homes with widespread humidity problems, a properly sized whole-house dehumidifier can provide more consistent moisture control throughout the living space.
Question: Is a whole-house dehumidifier better than a portable dehumidifier?
Answer: The right option depends on how much of the home needs humidity control. Portable dehumidifiers are generally suited to smaller, contained areas, while whole-house systems are designed to manage humidity throughout the home. Proper sizing and professional installation are important for achieving effective and reliable whole-home moisture control.
For professional help with your home’s humidity, look no further than Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. Contact us today!