Share:

During the past Wisconsin winter, with your heating system cranked to full capacity, you may have neglected to notice that with the increased warmth, the humidity in your home is too low. Homes with low humidity can lead to increased health problems, as well as damage to your home and furniture. 

Here are four easy ways to determine if your home has low humidity:

  • Electrostatic Discharge: Areas with low humidity have higher instances of electrostatic discharge. These brief shocks can seem harmless but can cause greater damage to computers and other electronics. Signs of high static electricity is getting a shock when you touch doorknobs or other metal objects or if your hair stands on end when you brush it. 
  • heatingDehydration & Thirst: Dry air simply drains the air of moisture, including your body. If you start feeling thirstier than usual, this could be a sign of low humidity in your home. 
  • Nosebleeds & Sore Throats: The low humidity in your home can also increase the frequency of nosebleeds and a sore throat. The mucus membranes in your nose and throat will dry and begin to crack and bleed due to the dry air. These sores and cracks create open passages for bacteria and viruses, which can lead to illness. 
  • Damaged Furniture: Wood furniture in particular is susceptible to becoming damaged in a home with low humidity. Wood will expand and contract, depending on how much moisture is in the air; when your home has little moisture, the wood will contract and crack or warp. Low humidity in your home can also cause wood floors to shrink and warp revealing gaps, wallpaper to peel along its edges, and pianos to go out of tune. 

If you find signs that your home has low humidity, there are simple ways to fix the problem. You can have a plumber install a humidifier directly into your heating or cooling system, or you can purchase individual room units. Also, try cooking with the lids off of your pots and pans, letting moisture accumulate from a nice, long shower, or buy a few house plants. Ideal home humidity is around 45%. Anything 35% and below is too low, and humidity above 50% is considered by professionals to be too high. 

For more information about low humidity in your home, or if you’d like assistance determining your home’s humidity levels, contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. They offer emergency repairs and 24-hour service for any other plumbing or heating issues you experience. For more information, call us, or visit the website for a full list of services. 

tracking