Reading humidity levels in your home can confirm whether your home’s air is too moist — and later, let you know if the issue has been corrected. Especially in winter, low humidity is a common issue for local householders here in the Calgary area.
Does your home have a humidity problem?
As humans, we all need a certain amount of humidity to feel comfortable and for our health. Too little humidity can cause trouble for Canadian homeowners. To see just how bad the problem might be, take a measurement of the moisture level (the amount of water vapour) in the air. The tool you’ll need is a hygrometer, purchased from your local hardware. Indoor RH (relative humidity) should range from 30 to 50 percent. The level should be closer to the low end when the outdoor temperature is below minus-10 degrees Celsius.
Solutions
Since low in-home humidity might be caused by cold, dry outdoor air leaking in, you may need to seal the house better, making it even more airtight. Caulking and using other appropriate measures to seal drafts should ease humidity concerns by keeping out that dry, frigid air. You’ll notice a decrease in your energy costs as well.
If, after sealing, low humidity levels in your home are still causing discomfort, consider a whole-house solution. Left unchecked, overly dry air could even damage furnishings and the home’s structure itself. Your next step — consider installing a whole-home humidifier. Integrated seamlessly into your home comfort system, working with your furnace, a whole house system is ideal. Be sure to select a contractor with experience and good references because installation and proper maintenance are key to your family’s comfort and the prevention of the opposite moisture problem, excess moisture.
Bring your questions about humidity levels in your home to the local experts at Arpi’s Industries. We’re happy to help and have been doing so for nearly 50 years. That half-century of quality service makes us your number one source for home comfort solutions. Please visit our website for valuable home comfort information and advice, or just give us a call.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about humidification systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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