Humidity During The Seasons

While the seasons change during the year, we always pay attention to the differences in temperature outside. But we should also be aware of the humidity levels when the seasons change, especially indoors. Humidity has a role in our everyday life at home; low humidity may make our skin and lips dry, or even cause nosebleeds. While high humidity can lead to mold growth, structural damage or unsafe breathing conditions. Here, we take a look at humidity differences between the winter and summer.

What Is Humidity

The term humidity basically refers to the amount of water vapor that is in the atmosphere. The term "relative humidity" measures the amount of water in the air in relation to the maximum amount of water vapor, also known as, moisture. 

Winter Humidity

The indoor humidity during the winter months will drop between 25% to 35% . This is due to the cold air outside since it makes its way into the whole house. Easy access points for cold air are old windows, cracked doors or the roof. The dry air getting in can cause the humidity to drop even more, so the main challenge homeowners have during the cold months is to keep the humidity levels up to a level so they won't get sick with a sore throat or allergies. There are several ways to increase the humidity indoors.

• House plants, they will purify the air they are kept alive
• Upgrading doors or windows that expose openings
• Get a humidifier

Summer Humidity

This is the time of the year where humidity tends to get high. At this time of the year, the air is much warmer so it can hold an abundance of water vapor. The house, including the basement, can become sticky and uncomfortable with high humidity. The higher the temperature, the faster rate of evaporation; So the more evaporation occurring, the more water vapor in the atmosphere which means higher humidity. High humidity in the house can lead to mold growth, poor breathing conditions and wood rot. Here are ways you can combat high humidity. 

• Get a Dehumidifier, our SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier brings down the relative humidity below 55% and will remove the water in the air. 
• Proper insulation
• Slow down with laundry usage, as you dry your wet clothes, humid air gets pumped out through the vent system of the dryer