Humidity and Health
Humidity can be tricky. No matter your climate – dry or humid – you want to keep your indoor humidity between 40% and 60%. Whether it’s too high or too dry, humidity can impact Indoor Air Quality and, ultimately, your family’s well-being. From asthma to allergies, dust mites to mold spores, and more, get a handle on your indoor humidity to optimize your family’s health.
Benefits of Humidity and Health:
- Reduce Illness
- Eliminate Pests
- Alleviate Allergies
- Improve Sleep
- Lower Stress Levels
By keeping your indoor humidity between 40% and 60%, you’re helping prevent the spread of illness by not giving contaminants an environment in which to grow.
Not only that but maintaining ideal indoor humidity in your Healthy Home also help those with sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. It turns out that a little moisture is good for our lungs and nasal cavities as our airways are lined with fluids. When the air’s too dry, our airways dry up and become irritated. When the air’s too humid, viruses can linger in the air.
Maintaining ideal indoor humidity in Healthy Homes also reduces the risk for pests. Most people are aware of allergies from pollen and other outdoor elements. However, dust mites cockroaches, and other pests are also the cause of many allergies. Microscopic particles made up of dried-up body parts from dead bugs or even feces can wreak havoc on our respiratory systems and cause sneezing or itching. Humidity keeps those pests at bay.
Maintain a happy, healthy home by improving your Indoor Air Quality. Aim for humidity between 40% and 60% all year long.
Dos & Don'ts
Do
be mindful of your regional humidity
In addition to seasonal humidity, it’s also important to consider your location. A home in Arizona is likely to be drier throughout the year than a home in Florida. Different regions have different household humidity needs.
Don’t
neglect the warning signs
If you notice static shock, cracks in the floorboards, creaky furniture, chipped paint, or dry skin and sinuses – especially in the wintertime or in dry climates – your home may be too dry. Alternatively, your home may be too humid if you notice in the summertime or in moist climates if you notice a lingering musty smell and condensation on windows or mirrors.
Do
consult a professional about your household humidity needs
If you believe your home’s humidity is less than ideal, consult a local professional to help your Healthy Home consistently achieve ideal humidity levels year-round.
Don’t
forget to clean or replace your filters or water panels regularly
Most humidifiers or dehumidifiers come with specialized filters or water panels that help create clean, breathable air in your home. Dirty filters or water panels should be replaced as often as the manufacturer recommends.
“By controlling the relative humidity level in a home, the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. Relative humidity of 40-60 percent is generally recommended for homes..”
– EPA
FINAL THOUGHTS
Live a happier, healthier life by maintaining indoor humidity all year long. Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers offer seamless, energy-efficient ways to improve your Indoor Air Quality in your Healthy Home.
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The information contained on the AprilAire website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. All information is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk.