Many of the problems that D&A Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning encounters at our clients’ homes stem from improper humidity levels that impede the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system from working properly. When humidity levels fall too low or rise too high, it can damage the HVAC system and create a health hazard.
The Importance of Humidity
Humidity refers to water vapor amounts in the air. The term absolute humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. As water vapor increases, so does humidity level. Low humidity results in dry air, which causes human skin to dry. High humidity proves better for the skin but wreaks havoc on an HVAC system.
On the TV news, meteorologists express the water vapor in the air as relative humidity. Relative humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum possible water vapor at a specific temperature. For example, if the meteorologist forecasts tomorrow’s high temperature as 90 degrees and a dew point of 70 degrees, they would also include the relative humidity as a percentage, in this case 52%.
Indoor Humidity and Your HVAC System
This tiny bit of science helps you because it lets you know the importance of humidity. Modern HVAC systems include humidity controls, so you can keep it between 40 and 50%.
Because high humidity means lots of water in the air, if your humidity levels rise above 50%, your home remains too moist. Just as rain coming through a window can damage your home, so can moisture in the air. It can damage the HVAC system by causing condensation, which causes rust and corrosion of parts, ducts, and vents. Mildew and mold can also develop due to the high humidity levels.
When humidity falls too low, typically 30% or less, the air becomes too dry, causing the wood to crack and warp. You might not see this damage since some of it occurs inside your home’s walls in its framing. When the plywood subfloor undergoes this dryness damage, it cracks, warps, and buckles.
Measuring Humidity Indoors
A low-cost hygrometer can measure the humidity in your home. These devices offer an easy way to determine humidity indoors if your home lacks a newer HVAC that monitors and maintains it.
Upgrading Your HVAC
If your home has an older HVAC system, upgrade it to a modern system that manages humidity for you. Today’s HVAC systems last for 12 to 15 years before needing replacement.
Call D&A Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
When your humidity levels get out of whack, call D&A Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve served Littleton, Colorado, and the surrounding area for more than 20 years. Operated by a father and son, our family-owned business provides 24/7 emergency service and affordable financing.