During the summer, the overly moist air feels hot and sticky, prompting lower thermostat settings and strain on the air conditioner.
Living in the northern part of the country, humidity levels are a problem. During the summer months, we get temperatures in the upper eighties and such an excess of humidity, the air conditioner can’t handle it. The house feels sticky, and there’s often condensation running down the windows. I worry about wood furnishing swelling and warping, and the health issues caused by mold and mildew growth. Plus, dust mites and bacteria thrive in hot, moist environments. During the winter, we have the exact opposite problem. The cold temperature results in very low level of humidity and running the furnace makes the situation worse. The inside environment becomes so terribly dry that wood furnishings are at risk of cracking or splitting. The overly dry air dries out mucus membranes in sinus passages, putting my family at greater risk of infection. If we should come down with cold or flue, it is much more difficult to get over it. Another major problem with excess or insufficient humidity is the strain put onto the furnace and air conditioner. Overly dry air feels colder than properly moisturized air, leading to higher thermostat settings, greater energy use and an increase in monthly bills. During the summer, the overly moist air feels hot and sticky, prompting lower thermostat settings and strain on the air conditioner. Although it was a big investment, I have installed both a whole-home humidifier and dehumidifier to work in tandem with the heating and cooling system. These air quality accessories are tucked inside the system, out of sight and operate almost silently. They require only annual maintenance and make a huge improvement in the comfort and health of the home.