Finding A Temperature Balance
Humidity is often described as a negative trait of air, but it’s actually necessary for optimal home comfort. Too little humidity results in dry air, which has its own host of related problems, including difficulty breathing, skin irritation, and an overall colder “feel” of the house.
At the same time, high humidity leads to higher condensation and its associated effects. On top of that, homes with high humidity levels are susceptible to paint peeling, mold and rot, and a lovely environment for pests like cockroaches and termites.
As such, homes have to find a proper balance of humidity in the air. Thankfully, many home temperature control measures allow for humidity measurement and management. Most thermostats are equipped with scales or metrics for humidity control.
In addition to thermostats, humidifiers and dehumidifiers are excellent for small scale adjustments of humidity levels. These devices are widely available at hardware stores and online, and are excellent for moisture-prone areas that aren’t as affected by moisture management efforts from the rest of the home. Basements, attics, crawl spaces and garages are all perfect locations to incorporate a humidifier or a dehumidifier if needed.