The “feels like” temperature inside your home isn’t always measured by the thermostat or a thermometer’s reading because humidity levels impact comfort almost as much as the actual air temperature. Because humans rely on evaporation to maintain optimal comfort, how fast moisture dries from your skin impacts physical ease.

Overly dry air instantly cools you off, since skin evaporation is fast. In humid environments like ours, too much humidity is a far more common issue than too little. High humidity slows moisture evaporation from your skin that will increase discomfort levels as temperatures climb. Ideal humidity ranges between 30 and 50 percent indoors. Keeping it within those ranges promotes good health.

Warmer air can hold more water vapor than cooler air and as temperatures warm in this region, humidity rises. Normal daily activities like cooking, cleaning and bathing increase indoor humidity even more. While your central air conditioner will remove some of the water vapor as a natural byproduct of cooling your home, you may be able to lower the humidity even more to achieve a better “feels like” temperature without using this energy-hungry appliance by:

• Using ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. These fans whisk out steam and water vapor quickly.
• Placing a portable dehumidifier in an excessively humid area like the basement.
• Installing a whole-house dehumidifier that works with your HVAC system to remove extra humidity. Although these systems use energy, it’s far less than using your A/C to manage humidity. In fact, you can save approximately three percent on cooling bills for each degree you turn up the thermostat.

Of these options, a whole-house dehumidifier is more effective, convenient and energy efficient than the first two options. It attaches to your HVAC system and through the use of a humidistat, keeps the humidity level at the healthy level you prefer. It drains excess condensation into your home’s plumbing and operates quietly.

Managing the “feels like” temperature will save energy and increase your comfort during the long summer cooling season. To learn more, contact Powers Heating & Air, providing top-notch HVAC services for Peachtree City homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about your “feels like” temperature and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.

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