Managing Home Humidity

The weather outside has been delightfully pleasant! When was the last time you ran out the garbage in sock feet, or stood outside bbq’ing comfortably in the middle of February?? If you’re an Albertan, chances are you simply don’t remember a winter like this one.
Alberta is known for it’s dry air, but a winter with a major lack of moisture such as this year, enhances that. A home humidifier is a must for most people in the area, but you also need to be aware of the proper balance.
An extremely dry home (humidity less than 20%) has an increase in dust and allergens, skin becomes very dry and the amount of static greatly increases. But your home suffers just as much as your body does. Wood starts to dry out, hardwood floors start to creak, cracks can appear, and the wood in your expensive furniture and cabinetry begins to shrink.
On the other end of the spectrum, too much humidity (over 60%) is ideal for mold growth, which can start to grow within 48 hours. This mold can irritate allergies, asthma and respiratory issues and can deteriorate wood over time.
A simple hygrometer can help you measure the levels in your home. Less than 30% requires action on your part, which can range from a furnace installed central humidifier to a portable one.
A constant rate of 40% humidity is ideal in the home. The options are vast and so are the prices. They range from stopping at your local home store to calling a home inspector or furnace company for suggestions. Taking simple measures to care for your own personal health, as well as the health of your home and your belongings may be easier than you thought, and is a very worthwhile investment.