HUMIDITY
Balanced temperature and humidity create a cozy environment in winter, and a cool, refreshing indoor climate in summer.

When temperature levels and relative humidity are out of balance in the home, they can affect your personal comfort and health. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of or interact with some indoor air pollutants, creating even more problems. If you answer, “yes” to any of the following questions, your home’s temperature or humidity conditions may need be checked and adjusted.

• Are you too warm or cold at times?

• Are bedrooms comfortable enough for sleeping?

• Do you find your home humid in the summer/dry in the winter?

• Does your home generally feel cool and clammy?

• Learn more about temperature and relative humidity.

People tend to feel most comfortable at a relative humidity of about 45%. High relative humidity (greater than 55%) can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. These pollutants can have adverse health effects.

Low relative humidity (less than 25%) can aggravate asthma and bronchitis, and lead to sinusitis, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and dry skin. It increases static electricity and makes your home feel cooler, so you may require a higher thermostat setting (which uses more energy) to feel comfortable.

Visit http://EPA.GOV for more information on how the dangers of high humidity directly affect mold growth

Try to keep humidity levels in the home between 30 and 50 percent. High humidity can promote growth of biological agents that may trigger asthma episodes. Use exhaust fans or open windows in the kitchen or bathroom areas when cooking, using the dishwasher, or taking showers. Make sure clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors, and use a dehumidifier in the basement if necessary.