Summer is all fun and games until the extreme humidity arrives. Although it is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year, humidity spikes during this period. Our bodies become sticky, hair can be ruined, and we might sweat a lot more. But how is humidity more dangerous during the summer season?
What Is Humidity?
Humidity refers to the water in the air in a gaseous state. There are various ways to measure humidity, but relative humidity is the most commonly measured. It is expressed in percentages indicating how much water is in the air. A higher rate means more water, and a relative humidity above 55–60 percent is often uncomfortable.
A higher relative humidity means slower evaporation of sweat from the skin, which is how we regulate body temperature. Paired with higher temperatures in summer and greater perspiration, high humidity can make us feel hot and sticky.
Is Summer Humidity Dangerous for Health?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that humidity improves air quality, directly impacting our bodies and health. A high percentage of water vapor in the air can alleviate health problems, especially breathing difficulties.
However, too much of a good thing is always bad. Most people report illnesses such as nasal congestion, eye irritation, coughs and wheezing, skin irritation, rashes, muscle cramps, headaches, and even fatigue in high humidity conditions.
What Happens When Humidity Lingers?
The situation gets worse if we continue to allow high humidity levels to linger in our environment. All the excess moisture leads to the growth of contaminants, causing even more severe health concerns. People should look out for molds, mildew, bacteria, viruses, dust mites, and chemicals such as formaldehyde released from carpets and paint materials during a high humidity season.
How Can HVAC Systems Help?
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Eliminates Excess Moisture
Did you know that HVAC systems can help dry out the air in homes? Make sure to find the perfect AC size for your room. Sometimes, having a more extensive system prevents the air from drying out as the machine tends to start and stop and frequently doesn’t run enough to manage humid conditions.
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Increases Ventilation
More and more people tend to increase ventilation to reduce the spread of disease. Especially during the pandemic, homes and offices remodeled ducts and ventilation spaces and added more HVAC systems to filter out air.
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Improves Air Quality
The main role of HVAC systems is to make the air better in a confined space. However, as the user, it is your responsibility to maintain the systems for them to work at their best potential. Have them cleaned once in a while, call a technician to check on them, and do any preventive maintenance to help the system run the best it can.
Conclusion
Summer is a fun time. But it is important to take care of your health more during this season. Because of humidity, we might experience health concerns that can easily be defeated with a bit of knowledge and information on the issue. Through the information above, we hope to help you get through summer safely.
Autumn Air is a family-run home AC services company. We are dedicated to providing top-notch system support and excellent customer service. Our team consists of experts with a well-deserved reputation of excellence in providing smart, sensible, and cost-effective solutions for everyone. Give us a call today, and let’s schedule an appointment right away.