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Too much or too little humidity can cause problems like mold and mildew that are tough to get rid of. So it’s important to maintain the right humidity level in your house. Plumbers Oakland says it’s usually around 35%, although it can vary based on where you live and how big your house is. Here are some factors that influence ideal humidity levels in your home and how to adjust them if they’re outside of that range.
The Ideal Humidity Level At Home
Each home is different, but usually, a humidity level of 30-40% is ideal for keeping the house warm and comfortable in the winter without condensation on the windows. In summer, this level can be as high as 50-60 percent.
High humidity can cause problems in your home. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends humidity levels below 55 percent during winter and above 45 percent during summer. In areas with high rainfall, homeowners may find that keeping their indoor humidity at or around 50 percent is ideal. Areas with very low rain or a humid climate like Oakland should keep indoor levels at 40 percent or lower to prevent mold from growing inside homes.
Why High Levels Of Moisture Are Not Good
High levels of moisture are harmful to your home in a few ways. According to several studies, high humidity is linked to frequent mold growth and even aggravating asthma symptoms. Because moisture builds up on walls and surfaces, it can lead to wood rot, ruining portions of your home’s structural integrity.
Furthermore, if you don’t keep your air ducts dry by cleaning them regularly with Oakland drain cleaning services, excess moisture in your ducts could lead to higher energy bills. All that moist air has nowhere else to go but out of your vents and into your living space.
Ways To Reduce Moisture In Your Home
Here Are The Three Ways To Reduce Moisture or Humidity Level in Your Home:
1. The first step is to ensure that your water heater is working properly. Suppose you have a broken water heater or it’s not functioning properly. In that case, there will be excess moisture in your home because of leaking pipes and damaged tanks.
2. The second step is to take care of any issues with your plumbing system, which could be leading to excess moisture in your home. If you have a broken pipe or a problem with your plumbing, it could increase your home’s humidity level.
3. The third step is to ensure that you’re not overusing water in your home, especially if you live in an area with water shortages or restrictions on how you can use much water per day or week.
How To Measure The Right Level Of Humidity
The simplest way to measure the humidity level in your home is with a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device that acts as an indoor thermometer and monitors humidity. If you don’t have a hygrometer and are concerned about your humidity levels, here are some ways to do it without the device.
With a little moisture in your air, you’ll never feel dry or itchy—but too much humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow. The average humidity level in most homes falls between 30 percent and 50 percent, but there’s no need to get out your measuring tape. To determine if your home has ideal humidity levels, reach up and touch your water heater.
On average, water heaters run between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Your hand will feel comfortably warm when you touch it, meaning your home is between 30 and 50 percent humidity. If it feels cool to the touch or very hot, you may have too much or too little moisture in your home.
Is Too Much Humidity Making You Sick?
With high humidity levels, moisture builds up inside your home and on household surfaces like furniture and walls. It also creates mold that can cause illness if it’s not eradicated. In general, a level of 40 percent to 60 percent is ideal, while anything over 70 percent may be considered excessive. Of course, yes, a higher humidity level can make you sick.
Is It Time To Get An Air Conditioner?
Finding the ideal humidity level in your home can help keep mold and mildew from growing, prevent peeling wallpaper, and avoid musty odors. If you’re noticing problems with moisture, it might be time to install an air conditioner in your home. You can also hire a water heater repair Oakland professional to fix any leaks or clogs in your plumbing.
