You are viewing the Dublin, GA location.
We’re no strangers to humidity in Georgia. Most people assume that high humidity is just a part of living in this area and are resigned to the idea that there’s nothing they can do about it. However, high humidity has many detrimental effects not only on your health, but on your home as well.
High heat alone is dangerous, and when it’s combined with high humidity, your body has an even harder time cooling down. Humidity can cause a number of physical and mental health issues. Although you can’t control the humidity when you’re out and about, you can do something about the humidity level in your home by installing a whole house dehumidifier.
Let’s go over the negative effects of high humidity.
How does high humidity affect the human body?
Humidity is defined as how much water vapor is in the air. When humans perspire, their bodies rely on air to get rid of sweat, allowing the body to cool down. When the humidity in the air is high, that warm, sticky moisture stays on the skin longer, making you feel even hotter. This is known as the heat index.
The National Weather Service measures the heat index by factoring together the temperature and relative humidity levels to determine how hot it “feels.” Take a look at this chart. For example, when it’s 90°F outside but the relative humidity is 70%, that means it feels like it’s a whopping 105°F!
High humidity can cause many adverse effects on the human body. It can also lead to hyperthermia or an abnormally high body temperature. Hyperthermia occurs when the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms don’t work effectively. Here are some of the physical effects of high humidity.
- Lack of energy, lethargy, and fatigue
- Dehydration
- Muscle cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Fainting
- Heat stroke
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Vomiting
Recent studies have shown that high humidity can also negatively affect mental health. If you’ve ever found yourself in a constant bad or negative mood when the temperature and humidity are skyrocketing, you’re not alone. Not only that, but high humidity can disrupt your ability to get a good night’s sleep and make it more difficult to stay hydrated. Not getting enough sleep and dehydration can both greatly impact your mood.
How does high humidity affect a home?
When the relative humidity in your home exceeds 60%, it can cause various problems such as:
- The growth of mold and mildew,
- Damaged paintwork, woodwork, and peeling wallpaper
- Flaky paint or curling wallpaper
- Rotting furniture, floors, and furnishings
- Damaged walls and brickwork
How can I combat the negative effects of high humidity?
The best way to achieve balanced humidity in your home is to have a whole-house dehumidifier installed by a professional HVAC company. A portable dehumidifier just won’t cover the square footage that a whole-house system can. You’ll achieve balanced humidity throughout your entire home, increasing your home comfort, your health, and your mood for the better.
Contact Premier Heating & Air for whole house dehumidifier installation in Warner Robins, GA and Experience the Premier Difference.