Humidity and allergies have a complicated relationship. You may experience heightened allergy symptoms both with too much and too little humidity in the air. To battle your Charles Town, West Virginia, allergies successfully, you need to find the elusive sweet spot where humidity in the home is just right. This can be a difficult proposition in the middle of winter, when your home’s air can dry out to levels as low as 10 percent relative humidity. Read on to learn how too much or too little humidity can affect your allergies.
The High Humidity Breeding Ground
When the humidity in the home is too high, you have an excellent breeding ground for common allergens. Mold and mildew love hot, humid environments. If there’s too much water in the air, you can have a major mold problem in no time. Dust mites like the humidity as well; they absorb water through their bodies rather than drinking it, so they need a humid climate to survive. In dryer air, dust mites can’t thrive.
Low Humidity Problems
Unfortunately, controlling allergens isn’t as simple as creating a low humidity environment, as this comes with its own problems. When humidity drops too low, mold, mildew, and dust allergens dry up and become airborne. Dry air also dries out the nasal passages, which makes it easier for those allergens to get into your lungs. Chapped lips and dry skin accompany the dry air allergy issues to create a very uncomfortable environment.
Finding Middle Ground
The key to keeping your allergies under control is finding the optimum humidity level for your home. According to Energy Star, the ideal humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. Use ventilation fans in high humidity areas like the kitchen and bathroom to keep levels within the acceptable range. It may also help to install a whole home humidifier or dehumidifier to tackle your common issues where humidity is concerned.
If you need help evaluating the humidity levels in your home and adjusting them accordingly, contact Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391. Our experienced HVAC technicians can help you find the right solutions for outstanding indoor air quality and home comfort. Don’t let allergens attack you in your own home. Take control now.
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