Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. Its level varies with each season and climate change.

Low humidity levels result in dry air which can irritate nasal passages and spread germs easily, as well as aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Indoor humidity is usually handled by AC systems, which tend to be covered by home warranty systems, as you can see here: https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/do-home-warranties-cover-ac-systems

Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in warm, damp places – creating the ideal conditions for them to flourish. High levels of humidity in a home can cause condensation that causes wallpaper, furniture and paintwork to warp, leading to moisture damage and encouraging mildew growth. Spores released by these microorganisms are airborne, easily inhaled by people breathing the air nearby; irritating nose, throat and sinus passageways while potentially leading to allergies or asthma attacks.

Mold spores thrive in environments with ample moisture, warmth, oxygen and food supply, such as walls or insulation material. If left unchecked for an extended period of time, longstanding mold problems can pose severe health complications to their victims, including respiratory ailments as well as other ailments.

Mold issues often stem from a combination of factors, including poor ventilation in areas that create moisture, rainy weather or foundation or plumbing leaks that leak moisture into your home. A hygrometer is an affordable way to monitor and control moisture levels within your home.

Sore Throats

High humidity levels in your home create the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew growth, leading to wood surfaces swelling up, staining furniture, or encouraging moisture build-up in foundation materials, crawl spaces or basements which leads to costly repairs.

Sore throat, known medically as pharyngitis, is caused by inflammation of the pharynx (the tube in the back of your throat). Symptoms range from slight scratchiness to feeling as though your throat has become dry like sandpaper. A sore throat could be associated with colds or flu infections or more serious illnesses like mononucleosis or strep throat.

Preventing excess indoor moisture requires taking certain measures, such as using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and regularly sanitizing frequently-used surfaces. Furthermore, keeping your house as well-insulated as possible and opening doors and windows for ventilation are both key strategies.

Coughing

Coughing is a natural response to irritation or itching in the throat or air passages. Moisture soothes these areas while thinnin mucus production for easier coughing up. Dry cool air can irritate these sensitive spots further, especially as seasons change and bring pollen, pollutant, or allergens that trigger coughing attacks.

High humidity levels can promote mold and mildew growth and damage wood furniture, wallpaper, paintwork and brickwork. Furthermore, high humidity dries out skin and hair, complicating respiratory illness healing.

Ideal indoor humidity levels should fall between 30% and 50%. You can easily track these levels using a hygrometer – a small device similar to a thermometer – which can be purchased online for under PS10 and will give accurate readings about current humidity levels in your home. A hygrometer can serve as an accurate barometer that will give an indicator of any future issues with regards to humidity in the air.

Heat Stroke

Humidity plays an integral part in how hot or cold we feel. When air is too humid, sweat cannot evaporate easily from our bodies quickly enough, making cooling harder for us and possibly leading to heat exhaustion or worse: heat stroke.

If someone exhibits symptoms of heat stroke — sudden high body temperatures, confusion and rapid pulse — seek medical help immediately. You can help by moving them to cooler surroundings or misting with water before placing ice packs around their neck, armpits and groin area.

As heating and cooling systems have evolved to control moisture levels more effectively, older ones may still struggle. A hygrometer, available at most hardware stores, is an invaluable way of monitoring humidity levels in your home and preventing potential damage. Resembling thermometers in appearance, they should be used similarly. Aim for humidity between 30%-50 percent as anything higher could lead to health concerns as well as cause irreparable harm to possessions.