How Low Humidity Harms Your Health and Home

Many homeowners assume that, when it comes to indoor humidity control, you only have to worry about when moisture levels are too high. This is understandable; in our area, the summers can be exceptionally humid. Excess humidity in your home can lead to mold and rot. But the truth is that low humidity can bring a slew of issues as well. Today, we will dive into how low indoor humidity harms your health and your home.

Chapped Lips and Dry Sinuses

The truth is, most people are already familiar with some of the negative health effects of dry air. It’s just that they tend to think of it as due to dry air outside, when often the source of the problem is within your own home. A familiar side effect you might experience from dry air is chapped lips.

But let’s use a less familiar example. If your indoor humidity level is too low, you’re likely to start to experience some issues with your sinuses. You may notice a significant irritation in your nose, and possibly even nosebleeds.

Damaged Floors and Furniture

It’s obvious that excess moisture can cause some serious harm to your hardwood floors and furniture. Hardwood is generally quite durable, but one of its definite enemies is moisture.

Unfortunately for us during the dry winter months, low humidity can harm hardwood as well. Just as wood expands when wet, it contracts when there is insufficient moisture in the air. This can lead to noticeable shrinking, splintering, and splitting. No homeowner wants to see any of these issues plaguing their precious hardwood floors and furniture.

What Can I Do About It?

Thankfully, your health and home do not have to be the victims of low humidity. With some elementary knowledge of indoor humidity control, we can eliminate the threat of both of the issues we’ve discussed above.

When it comes to the perfect indoor humidity level, shoot for something between 30-50%. This can easily be measured using a cheap hygrometer purchased online or at your local hardware store.

The most commonplace and effective way to combat low humidity is with a commercial humidifier. These run the gamut in terms of size, style, and price. Whatever your specific needs, you should be able to find one that does the job for you. Just make sure you keep an eye on the hygrometer, so you don’t end up with the opposite problem.

Finally, you should keep in mind there are a few changes to your everyday routine you can make that might increase humidity. If you can, consider showering with the door open. You could also make the more eco-friendly change of drying your clothes on a rack in your home; this way, some of the moisture will find its way into the air.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Humidity Control Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.