Water, believe it or not, is necessary for heating and cooling. Despite this, many homeowners are unaware of the appropriate humidity level for their homes. Instead, they settle for dry air, microbiological growth, and even poor health to avoid the trouble. This is why we're discussing how water affects heating and air conditioning.
Heating and air conditioning contractors perform a series of tests to determine the ideal humidity level for your home. This ensures that any air in the home is comfortable and has the proper moisture content to keep it clean and healthy.
Understanding Relative Humidity with Heating and Air
Relative humidity is a proportion that takes into account both moisture content and temperature. If the RH is 50%, it means that the atmosphere in your home contains 50% more water than if it were completely saturated.
The most straightforward way to think about relative humidity is on a sliding scale. The amount of water vapor required to achieve 50% humidity during the warmer months differs from that required during the colder months. The heating and air system also contributes to RH control.
The relative humidity is given as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the more water in the air, and thus the higher the humidity.
High Humidity Can Also Destroy Home Comfort, Heating, and Air
When it comes to heating and air conditioning, the real issues arise when humidity levels are too high. While it is uncommon in Texas, it does occur, primarily in high-efficiency homes designed to reduce heat loss. This is due to the fact that these houses trap in the atmosphere, which includes moisture.
Humidity levels that are too high invite all sorts of tiny critters and creatures into the house. Microbiological growth is also aided by high moisture levels. Water stains, condensation, mold growth, rotting wood, insect infestations, and other issues are then dealt with by homeowners.
During the winter, it is ideal for home humidity to be between 30 and 40%.
