When the weather heats up, high humidity levels are often close behind. Seasonal humidity can affect indoor home comfort, so managing the humidity in your home during all seasons can make the time you spend there much more enjoyable.
People often describe summer to be "heavy," "sticky," and "muggy," while winter air can feel "dry," "crisp," and "bitter." These descriptions are related to the feel of the air due to the differing amounts of moisture present at different times of the year.
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Seasonal humidity levels can affect home comfort.
Summer air feels "sticky." Winter air feels "dry."
The amount of water vapor in the air around you.
The optimum humidity level in your home depends on your personal preferences, clothing, and level of physical activity.
ASHRAE* suggests a range of 45% - 55% humidity to manage health effects and illnesses.
Comfortable: 30% - 60%
Recommended: 45% - 55%
High: 55% - 80%
Summer Air: Warm, summer air "holds" more moisture, so the humidity is higher.
Winter Air: Cold, winter air contains less water, so the humidity is lower.
Too much or too little moisture in the air can cause a variety of health threats and illnesses.
The optimum relative humidity range is 45% - 55%. At higher and lower levels of humidity, health threats and illnesses can increase. These include: bacteria, viruses, fungi, mites, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma, chemical interactions, and ozone production.
Low Humidity
High Humidity
In the Summer
In the Winter
* ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.
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