Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
In the summer, temperature and humidity combine to form a “heat factor” – how hot it feels to your skin. In the winter, it’s the temperature and wind speed that create a “wind chill.” So, humidity isn’t that important in the winter, right?
Wrong.
Indoor relative humidity in the winter can sometimes be drier than the desert. We’ve already covered some of the health problems that are attributed to low humidity in this blog.
So what is the ideal relative humidity for your home? How do you maintain that level of moisture in the air for the whole house?
According to a study conducted at the University of Minnesota, where they know something about cold weather, the recommended RH (relative humidity) for Knoxville, Tennessee’s climate is 40%.
A good rule of thumb for controlling relative humidity in the winter: if frost or condensation forms on your windows, the humidity is too high. If your hardwood floors start to separate, the humidity is too dry.
In either case, the simple solution for most homeowners is a whole-home central humidifier. It keeps the air you breathe in your home at an optimal level for comfort and health during the cold and flu season.
