Are you struggling with controlling the humidity in your Ocala, FL, home during the winter? Call Fast Air Repair to book an appointment.
Winter in Ocala, FL, is as mild as you’d expect in Florida. However, the temperature can drop to the low 40s on the coldest days of the year. Many people turn to their furnace system to combat the chill, but dealing with the drier air can be more challenging, even with a humidifier.
Are you asking, “What should my humidifier be set at in winter?” You’re not alone. As the top HVAC maintenance company in Ocala, FL, it’s one of the most common questions we get. We’ll cover all you need to know in this post.
Understanding Relative Humidity
When you’re thinking about the level of moisture in your indoor air, you’re looking at the relative humidity. The relative humidity (expressed as a percentage) is the level of water vapor in your air. It measures how much water vapor the air can hold before it turns to condensation.
So, if the relative humidity is at 40%, it shows that your indoor air holds less than half the amount of water it can before condensation sets in.
You’ll need a hygrometer to accurately measure the relative humidity in your indoor space. You can pick one up for cheap at your local hardware store.
Why does the relative humidity matter? The amount of water in the air plays a significant role in your home’s comfort. You don’t want the humidity levels to be too low or too high.
The Right Humidifier Setting for Winter in Ocala, FL
When the temperature outside goes down, the relative humidity levels inside your home will drop alongside it. Cold air generally holds less water vapor. The dry air can make the winter months more uncomfortable. Here are some of the things you’ll experience if the air inside your home is too dry:
- The build-up of static electricity
- Itchy, dry skin and eyes
- Chapped lips
- Sinus reactions
- Nose bleeds
- Damage to wood flooring, musical equipment, and furniture
It’s hard to ignore the indirect health effects of relative humidity. They can go from minor inconveniences to debilitating sicknesses.
Thankfully, setting your humidifier to reintroduce moisture to the indoor air at the right levels can help prevent those problems.
So, back to the question, “What should my humidifier be set at in winter?” The right answer is, “Just enough to maintain your comfort.” You don’t want to introduce too much moisture to the indoor air as that leads to a different set of problems, including water damage and mold growth.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you should keep your indoor humidity levels around 30%-50%. In the winter, the humidity levels in some indoor spaces across Ocala, FL, will drop below that lower threshold (or get really close) once the temperatures drop to the lower 40s.
In that scenario, you should adjust the humidifier to ensure the humidity level inside your home is between 35%-40%. Maintaining this range will keep your home comfortable, even when the temperatures rise during the day.
However, if you notice that the humidity levels are off, you can adjust your humidifier further. One way you can do this is by watching out for indoor condensation around your windows and sills. Condensation is a clear indication that your home’s humidity levels are off.
Other Factors That Can Influence Humidity Levels in the Winter in Ocala, FL
We’ve already established the fact that the temperature outside can influence the humidity levels inside your home. However, there are other factors that can affect the readings. This explains why there is no blanket fixed number for all Ocala, FL, residents to work with.
Some of the other factors that can affect your home’s indoor humidity during the winter here include the following.
Airflow and Ventilation
Your home’s ventilation can significantly affect the humidity levels. If it’s well ventilated, the exchange of indoor and outdoor air will be more seamless. This will help keep the moisture levels balanced.
On the other hand, homes with poor ventilation will trap more humidity inside. So, they may still have high humidity levels during the winter here. So instead of asking, “What should my humidifier be set at in winter?” you’ll be thinking about how to keep the humidity levels down.
You may also find yourself worrying about low humidity levels if your home is too ventilated. The excessive ventilation will speed up moisture loss, making your indoor air too dry.
Choice of HVAC System
Your type of HVAC system can directly affect your home’s humidity levels. One common downside of forced air HVAC systems is that they tend to reduce the moisture in the indoor air. This is great in the summer when your AC is working, but can be a problem in the winter during those coldest nights of the year.
If you have a forced air system, you have to take your humidifier settings more seriously as the weather changes from season to season.
Quality of Home Insulation
The quality of your home’s insulation will determine how well it can retain heat and moisture. If your home is poorly insulated, it will lose heat and moisture faster than normal. This will keep your indoor humidity levels too low in the winter.
On the other hand, you don’t want your home to be excessively insulated. Otherwise, it will trap too much humidity. This is a major concern in the generally warm and humid climate we have here in Ocala, FL. You’ll find yourself going from asking, “What should my humidifier be set at in winter?” to looking for how to lower the humidity levels when the sun comes up.
Type of Indoor Activities
Some of the things you do inside your home can generate moisture, raising your home’s relative humidity. Activities such as using the washing machine, running the dishwasher, taking a hot shower, and cooking, can raise your home’s humidity levels.
This is why humidity-rich rooms like your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room can feel like the perfect comfort zone when your indoor air is dry.
So, before you set your humidifier, it’s always a good idea to complete all activities that can add some humidity to your indoor air first.
Presence of Houseplants
Houseplants can affect your home’s moisture content because they release water into the air — a process known as transpiration. This is assuming that your plants are healthy and you water them regularly. The more plants you have, the higher your home’s humidity levels.
Before you set your humidifier for this winter season, wait a few days to see how your plants affect the humidity levels inside your home. Don’t judge with last year’s numbers if you’ve added new plants or if your existing plants have grown a lot over the last 12 months.
Get Expert Guidance From Fast Air Repair’s HVAC Experts in Ocala, FL
Does the air in your indoor space feel too dry? Have you found yourself wondering, “What should my humidifier be set at in winter?” Our experienced team here at Fast Air Repair can help.
Our highly trained technicians excel at accurately measuring home humidity and providing custom guidance on the ideal range to aim for. We won’t recommend anything until we’ve evaluated your indoor space.
Are you ready to enjoy the winter months in complete comfort? Book an appointment with the Fast Air Repair team in Ocala, FL, today. Learn more now.