Humidity and Your Home

Humidity, it’s as much a part of living in Houston as chili cook-offs and the Livestock Show and Rodeo. When we talk about humidity down here, we are usually complaining about how soupy the air feels. This is one of the few places where you can work up a sweat just standing outside. We often joke about adding a disclosure about the temperatures and humidity our relocating families will experience during their first summer.

Lately we’ve gotten a reprieve from those temperatures, and humidity levels have been extremely low. I know the humidity has been low, because every time I get up from my couch I can hear the static followed by a small or, in some instances, not so small shock when I come in contact with the light switch! Humidity levels can greatly affect you and your home, both in comfort and condition.

When the humidity is too low

It’s hard to believe we would have to worry about this, but then again it snowed in Katy twice this year. Low humidity in your home can make you feel miserable. Dry lips and skin and excessive static electricity are common problems experienced when the humidity is too low. More annoying problems include a dry nose and a scratchy throat; you are even more susceptible to a cold when the humidity is low.

Your home is also negatively affected by low humidity levels. Dryness can cause damage to wood and drywall. It can also cause your wood floors to shrink. Older, less energy-efficient homes are more likely to be affected by low humidity. In Houston, this is just a temporary problem, but if you know someone who lives in a colder climate that is dealing with extended periods of low humidity you might suggest that they get a humidifier to alleviate this problem. Humidifiers should be kept clean and filters should be changed; refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for frequency.

When the humidity is high

Here in Katy, this is usually the case 350 out of 365 days of the year. We just don’t see many days with dry air. We do see plenty of days that make you feel like you are in a sauna every time you walk outside. High humidity and the temperatures that accompany it can make you quite uncomfortable. That sticky feeling you get on a hot summer afternoon becomes a way of life down here. Staying hydrated is very important when the weather turns warm.

High humidity can really wreak havoc on your home. High humidity levels can lead to stained ceilings and walls. Prolonged high levels can also cause paint and wallpaper to peel. One of the biggest problems we see in Houston and surrounding areas is mold. Mold needs two things to grow, warm temperatures and humidity, and we have plenty of both. On top of this, a humid home will experience more wood rot and can serve as an excellent breeding ground for insects. Often times a newer home will have more of a problem with high humidity levels. A tighter, more energy efficient home will have a smaller exchange of air.

One of the best and least expensive ways to alleviate high humidity in your home is to purchase a dehumidifier. This device will pull in air, running it across cool coils to pull out moisture, the run it over warm coils to return it to its original temperature. Water should be removed from the collection pan regularly.

Aim for moderation

It can be easy to tell if it is too humid or not humid enough from the way you feel. There is also a device that will measure the amount of humidity in your home called a hygrometer. This device looks a lot like a thermometer. Indoor humidity levels should be between 30 to 50% with an ideal level being 45%. Maintaining this level is better for you and your home.

Stacy is a licensed REALTOR ® and the team leader of The Jones Team, a group of REALTORS® in Katy, who work together to provide exceptional service for their clients. Stacy and his team specialize in the areas west of downtown Houston. These incredible real estate agents can help you buy or sell a home in locations such as Katy, Cypress, far West and Northwest Houston, Richmond, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Spring Branch, Memorial, Spring, Tomball, The Woodlands, and Magnolia. Whether you are in the market to sell a home, buy a home, have a question about home appraisal value, need advice about home staging ,or have any other real estate related questions, Stacy and The Jones Team are available to help.