What’s the Ideal Humidity Level?

October 21, 2020

With humidity levels consistently in the mid to upper 70s, Florida residents are no strangers to high humidity. Though we’re used to muggy days outside, we don’t always expect to come home to a humid home. Many Florida homes are too humid, though, which begs the question, what is the ideal humidity level in Tampa, FL?

Experts agree that the perfect indoor humidity level is anywhere from 40 to 60 percent. Though you’ll feel it on your skin and see the water droplets on surfaces if your home is too humid, you can get an accurate reading using a handheld hygrometer. We recommend getting readings in different rooms in your home to see which ones have the highest humidity levels.

Why is controlling humidity important?

If your indoor humidity levels are a bit high, it’s time to fix them! These are the reasons why you don’t want to live in a humid home:

  • Comfort: Too much indoor humidity makes your home muggy, hot and generally just uncomfortable. When humidity gets too high, and the air is saturated with water, the sweat on your skin won’t evaporate—you’ll be a sweaty mess while trying to relax in your own home!
  • Energy savings: If you think you’re uncomfortable now in your humid home, just wait until the energy bill comes! Since the air is warmer, humid homes cost a lot more to cool than one with a lower humidity level. Reduce the indoor humidity, and you should start seeing monthly savings immediately.
  • Air quality: If the humidity level gets high enough, condensation can build up on surfaces throughout the house—and where there’s built-up condensation, there’s often mold growth. Airborne mold spores can make breathing difficult for those with pre-existing conditions and can lead to other health problems, like coughing, sneezing and throat irritation.

How can you control your humidity levels?

Now that you know the ideal humidity level in Tampa, FL, it’s time to ensure your home is in the right range. The best way to reduce indoor humidity is to purchase dehumidifiers and set them up in the rooms with the most humidity. A malfunctioning air conditioner could also lead to high humidity levels, so we also recommend hiring a professional to inspect your AC and make any necessary repairs.

We know that not everyone has money to spend on a dehumidifier or an HVAC service appointment. Thankfully, there are some DIY tricks to reduce your humidity without spending anything! You can start by running ceiling fans in your home, as air circulation throughout the house is proven to reduce humidity. You’ll also want to run exhaust fans when you cook and shower, as these activities drastically increase your indoor humidity.

Kenny’s Air Conditioning & Heating Services, Inc. can help!

Stop wasting your money and stop living in discomfort—call our professionals at Kenny’s Air Conditioning & Heating Services, Inc. On top of performing AC repairs, new system installation and general maintenance, we can answer all of your questions, like what is the ideal humidity level in Tampa, FL? Reach out today to learn more!

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