Managing Indoor Humidity Levels During the Winter

Regardless of the climate in your local area, indoor humidity can have an impact on your home’s comfort levels and the proper functioning of your HVAC system. In today’s blog, the heating and air conditioning experts at J & M Air Conditioning & Heating explain what you need to know about managing indoor humidity levels in the winter.

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Recommended Indoor Humidity Levels in the Winter

If not managed correctly, indoor humidity during the winter season can result in you and your family experiencing, among other things, respiratory discomfort and dry skin. Remember that winter air gets drier the colder it gets. By introducing more humidity into your home, you can avoid the aforementioned issues, allowing you to sleep better, breathe more easily and spend less energy to keep your home warm.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the optimal humidity level in your home to manage health effects and illnesses is between 45% and 55% To achieve this, heating and air conditioning pros recommend doing the following:

  • Invest in a portable room or whole-home humidifier to raise indoor humidity levels.

  • Purchase hygrometers so you can monitor humidity levels in your living room and bedrooms.

  • Accent your interior with live houseplants.

  • Place water basins near your heat pump or furnace system.

About Using Humidifiers

A humidifier can help you control the level of humidity in your home. Some HVAC systems are integrated with it, but there are stand-alone ones that can be retrofitted to existing heating and cooling units. Get your home inspected for indoor air quality by a local HVAC pro to get an idea of whether a humidifier can solve your issues and be beneficial to your home’s comfort needs during the winter months.

Turn to J & M for All Your HVAC Needs!

J & M Air Conditioning & Heating has been providing high-quality heating and air conditioning services to local homeowners since 1967. Give us a call at (951) 654-3464 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our comfort specialists today. We serve the residents of Hemet, CA, and the surrounding communities.