Two of the most important environmental factors that determine a home’s thermal comfort are temperature and humidity. Other factors like age, clothing and health status can also impact how comfortable you feel in your Melbourne, Florida, home. Read on to learn more about how humidity affects air conditioning and how to enhance your comfort.
Understanding Relative Humidity
Relative humidity (RH) is a ratio expressed as a percentage that measures how much water vapor is in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at the same temperature. The warmer the air, the more moisture it can absorb. Air conditioning affects humidity by removing moisture from the air while cooling your home.
The Impacts of High and Low Humidity
Melbourne experiences extreme seasonal variation in the observed humidity. The most humid period of the year lasts from April 15 to November 28. The most humid day of the year is August 4. The least humid day is January 30.
Humidity levels higher than 60 percent can encourage microbial growth. Dust mites and bacteria also thrive under humid conditions. Humidity levels lower than 30 percent can cause homeowners to experience eye irritation or a stuffy nose. Low humidity can also aggravate allergies and increase the spread of viral infections.
Balancing Your Home’s Humidity
Balancing your home’s humidity is key to maintaining a comfortable environment and preventing air conditioning problems. A properly sized air conditioner and a dehumidifier can help you achieve an ideal humidity of 40 – 60 percent. Set your HVAC thermostat between 68 and 74 degrees in the winter and between 72 and 76 degrees in the summer.
You don’t have to be a meteorologist to understand that humidity impacts how comfortable your home feels. But you do need an HVAC expert to help take care of your AC system. To ensure your air conditioner is operating at peak efficiency and effectively removing moisture in your home, contact Coastal Climate Experts today.
