It’s easy to take home comfort for granted when the HVAC system is working properly, since it delivers the cool air that makes summers in Georgia livable. Besides the temperature, the HVAC system also manages the air’s humidity and helps clean it to make your indoor environment healthier.

Temperature

Air temperature plays a crucial role in staying comfortable indoors, since the body has a fairly narrow tolerance for temperatures too hot or cold. While 72 degrees F is ideal, most healthy adults adapt to temperatures that are slightly lower in the winter and higher in the summer. Setting the thermostat for 68 degrees in the winter and 78 to 80 in the summer saves energy without overly stressing the body.

Humidity

The amount of humidity in the air influences comfort levels a good deal especially in the summertime. The moisture on skin doesn’t dry as quickly when the humidity level is high, which makes you feel warmer. The body relies on perspiration as its cooling mechanism. When it can’t dry as quickly, it seems hotter than it really is.

Ideally, indoor humidity should range between 30 to 50 percent year-round. In the summer, drier air indoors and out feels better. The air conditioner improves home comfort by cooling off the air and removing some of the excess humidity. Lower humidity in the summer also prevents a proliferation of mold and bacterial growths.

Air Quality

Although it’s not tangible through touch, you may be able to see or smell the indoor air when its quality is poor. Airborne particulates like dust and pollen can be irritants, and odors in the air usually indicate air quality problems. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often leave odors behind and come from anything made of hydrocarbons. If anyone in your household has respiratory problems, opting for UV (ultraviolet) lights in the air handler or higher quality air filters can improve air quality.

If any of these home comfort factors is amiss, it might be time to have your HVAC system checked by Powers Heating & Air. We provide 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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.