How Humidity Affects Your Home

Humidity is a tricky thing – too much or too little of it can have a negative impact on your home and family. Long Island in particular is known to have high humidity levels in the summer, but very low levels during the winter. Here is how that humidity (or lack thereof) can affect your home.

When the humidity is too low

• The temperature feels cooler. Dry air feels colder than damp air. Adding humidity during the colder months can make your house feel warmer without turning up the thermostat.
• Static electricity is prevalent. If you get shocked every time you touch a doorknob, it could be a sign that your home's humidity levels are too low.
• Wood and paint deteriorate. When the humidity is too low for too long, the paint on your walls starts to chip and your wood floors and furniture can actually split from being so dry.
• Skin, eyes, and throat dry out. Low humidity can affect our bodies, too. Dry skin, eyes, nose and throat are some symptoms of low humidity.

When the humidity is too high

• The temperature feels warmer. Just like low humidity can make you feel cold, high humidity can make you uncomfortably warm. You have probably experienced this on a hot, muggy day.
• You find condensation in your home. When warm, humid air comes in contact with a cooler surface (like your windows), condensation occurs.
• Wood expands and can become damaged. Excess moisture in the air can seep into wood beams, floors, and furniture, causing it to expand and sometimes creating irreparable damage.
• Mold begins to grow. Long-term humidity problems can eventually lead to mold growth. Mold can grow and spread virtually anywhere moisture is present: indoors or out.

Some of the most common areas in the home for mold are basements, crawl spaces, attics, and bathrooms. Mold spores can be inhaled and cause serious health problems, allergic reactions, and respiratory infections.

If you find mold growing in your Long Island home, don't attempt to remove it yourself. Give the professionals at GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration a call. We serve all of Nassau and Suffolk County; visit our website to learn more or dial (631) 940-8100.