Maintaining the right humidity levels in your home is essential to your health and comfort. Humidity levels play a role in transmitting airborne illnesses, respiratory conditions, air quality and overall health, so it’s important to monitor and adjust them accordingly. In Canada, the ideal home humidity levels vary depending on the season. In this article, we’ll teach you the optimal humidity levels so you can make your home more comfortable and healthier.
Winter
During the coldest months of the year, you want to keep your home’s humidity levels between 30-50%. Properly humidified air “feels” warmer. If you feel warmer because the humidity is optimized, you’re not turning up your thermostat as much. That means energy savings! This range will also help prevent dry air from causing respiratory problems as well as reduce static electricity and other negative effects that come with the dryness of winter. If you notice excess condensation on the windows, lower the humidity incrementally until you find the point where the condensation subsides. Typically, the colder the day, the lower the humidity level. Many humidity systems have automatic controls to reduce or increase humidity as the outdoor temperature fluctuates. You could also use a humidifier to add humidity to the air. A whole-home humidifier is a good investment to help humidify your entire house.
Spring & Summer
In the spring and summer, it’s best to keep your home’s humidity level between 40-55%. This range helps reduce dust mites, mould and mildew growth while also keeping you comfortable. When it’s really hot, you can use an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air and maintain a comfortable temperature.
Fall
As the summer weather fades and temperatures start to drop in the fall, adjust your home humidity levels to be between 40-60%. These levels will reduce allergens and maintain comfort. It’s during this time of year that the air starts to become drier, which contributes to nosebleeds, dry skin, headaches, and dehydration. If, however, you find your home too humid, adjust the levels using a dehumidifier. Alternatively, you could use an HRV or ERV to improve circulation and reduce the humidity.
Humidistat or Smart Thermostat
A humidistat is like a thermostat but it measures humidity. Most humidistats are connected to a heating and cooling system to automatically adjust the moisture in the air. Another option is to use a smart thermostat. With the right thermostat, you can monitor and control the humidity levels in your home easily. Many smart thermostats have this humidity feature to help you control home humidity levels conveniently.
Humidifier
During the cold, dry months, a humidifier can add extra moisture to your home if it becomes too dry. You have the option to get a small portable humidifier and move it around the different areas of your house where it’s needed. Or, you could invest in a whole-home humidifier, which will maintain the humidity levels of your entire house.
HRV/ERV
HRV’s (Heat Recover Ventilators) and ERV’s (Energy Recovery Ventilators) can also help you control the humidity in your home. They’re a cost-effective way of reducing humidity levels when the outside air is colder than the inside air. Both ventilation systems will help humidity levels stay in check and provide continuous fresh air to improve air quality. However, ERV’s have the added benefit of preventing your house from becoming overly dry in the winter and reducing humidity in the summer.
Delta Helps You Achieve Ideal Home Humidity Levels
In Southwestern Ontario with the humidity and temperature extremes we experience, humidity levels in your home are truly a balancing act. Understanding how it all works in different seasons and how adding or subtracting humidity optimizes your home’s comfort and health can be a challenge. If you need more help optimizing your home’s humidity levels, contact Delta. Our knowledgeable HVAC professionals can give you specific advice to improve the air quality and humidity levels in your house. We also carry a variety of appliances and systems that can help achieve ideal home humidity levels and high air quality.
Improve your home’s humidity levels.
Delta Air Systems is an established heating company in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. And we’ve been installing, servicing and repairing furnaces since the 1950s and work hard to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
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