HVAC and Humidifiers: What You Need to Know

October 22, 2018 | No Comments

It is tempting to look at an HVAC unit and think that it is a simple appliance, but that is far from the truth. HVAC systems are intricate pieces of equipment and have a lot of aspects to consider. For example, merely heating and cooling your home often does not result in the desired comfort level.

Humidity can play a significant role in how comfortable you feel in your own home. Too much or too little moisture at any time of the year can affect you. Finding the right balance will help you to get the most out of HVAC system and prevent you from overworking it. It’ll also prevent you from having a hefty electricity bill.

What humidity level is right? Somewhere around, or just above, the 40% range is optimum for most homes. Below 30% humidity leads to dry skin and dry nasal passages which can aggravate sinusitis or cause laryngitis. When humidity is above 50%, there can be condensation on windows and increased mold.

While your AC unit will function as a dehumidifier during the summer, the HVAC will not work as a humidifier in the winter when the air is dryer. During the winter, if your home is not feeling the right level of humidity, you can get a stand alone humidifier. These units can be moved from room to room to add a little more moisture to the air. The problem is that they won’t function in more than one room.

Another option is to have a whole house humidifier connected to your HVAC system. This unit allows you to fine-tune the humidity of your home. There are a variety of different humidifiers from which to choose, having a professional consultation will help you to get the system that is right for your home. A whole house humidifier won’t just increase the comfort of your home either. It will help to protect your home from damage that could result from having incorrect humidity levels. That includes protecting against mold, cracks, and drying out.

For those who don’t feel comfortable with the humidity in their home, or feel that their home isn’t maintaining the desired temperature, it is probably time to call in an expert. An expert can conduct an energy audit and inspect your HVAC unit to make sure everything is running optimally. They will also take a look at the humidity level of your home, the door and window seals, and the attic to make sure you aren’t losing energy somewhere.

For more information on designing a green home, contact Grayson Homes at 919-578-6222.