Remodeling a Home

The settings on your heating and cooling system are not the only thing that will affect how comfortable you feel inside your home. Another factor is the level of humidity. This will affect heating and cooling needs in unexpected ways.

Humidity and Air Conditioning

For your air conditioning system, you are likely to notice a distinct difference in comfort when the air is too humid. Hot, humid summers aren't fun for anyone. When you have high indoor humidity, you might notice fog forming on the walls. Sometimes, you will notice the rapid growth of mold or even a musty smell in the home. Your skin may feel clammy as well.

Humidity and Heating

On the other hand, in the winter, the problem is often the opposite. A mix of heating techniques and low humidity can be a big problem. You are likely to take the brunt of this problem. Dry air in the winter can be responsible for your nose's mucous linings drying out, which may lead to discomfort and redness. In worse cases, it can cause you to get a nosebleed.

How Do Heating and Cooling Systems Control Humidity?

If you have the right air conditioner, it is likely to remove excess moisture from your air as it runs. That's only true as long as the condenser and drain pans are in good shape, so keep up with your air conditioning repair needs.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Another option is to use a separate dehumidifier or humidifier in your home. The one you choose depends on your climate, really. While most machines can perform both functions, they may be more adept at performing one over the other. These can be inexpensive to add to your main rooms without having to do a lot of construction work.

Keep Your Windows Shut

Here's another way to control humidity: keep your windows shut. Once your heating and cooling system works to remove moisture from the air, don't overtax it by having a stream of fresh, humid air streaming in through your windows or doors.

So, humidity is a tool that we must use to make air more breathable. But either too much or too little humidity makes a negative difference for many people. Talk with your heating and AC services specialist to get some current readings on your home humidity levels and start devising a way to keep your home comfortable year round. For more information, contact companies like All American Air & Electric, Inc.