Studies show Utah’s dry air the same as the Sahara Desert
A new list from Current Results and Weather Sciences has dubbed Utah among the top 10 driest states in the country. Add in average summer temperatures soaring over the 90°F mark, and your home could become a breeding ground for airborne infection.
The stifling heat in the summer, followed by low-moisture winters has nabbed Utah the number two spot on the annual list. Average July afternoons in places like Salt Lake City and Ogden rest around 22 percent humidity while winter days can drop down to just 10 percent – the same as the Sahara Desert.
Scientists have shown the flu virus survives best in dry, low-humidity environments, meaning not only are you more likely to catch the virus at any point throughout the year, but it’s also more likely to linger.
Other health concerns like headaches, blurred vision, poor concentration, itchy skin, dry hair, red eyes, sinus irritation, bloody noses and respiratory problems for you and your pets all come as a result of too-low humidity levels, too.
As if health problems aren’t enough, the dry air can also wreak havoc on your home and furniture, too. Low humidity can create gaps floorboards, loosen furniture joints and cause windows and doors to rattle in their frames.
Ideal Home Humidity
Average humidity levels inside your home should stand somewhere between 30 and 50 percent with the ideal level reaching somewhere around 45 percent for optimal health and home preservation. According to the Environmental Health Perspectives, maintaining a humidity level between 40 to 60 percent can decrease influenza survival rates in the air and on countertops, doorknobs and other household surfaces.
Measuring Home Humidity Level
One quick and easy way to get an approximate measurement of the humidity levels in your home is to try the ice test. Place three ice cubes in a glass of room-temperature water and stir it a few times. Wait about three minutes, then take a look at your glass. If moisture droplets have not formed on the outside of the glass, the air is too dry and you might need a humidifier.
Another, more precise, way to gauge indoor humidity levels is with a hygrometer – a tool used to measure the relative humidity in the current environment. You can find them at most hardware stores.
Managing Your Humidity Levels
The best way to manage humidity inside is to invest in a whole-house humidifier. A whole-house humidifier can be set relative to outdoor temperatures to keep a stable humidity level throughout the year. Some systems can even measure the outdoor temperatures for you and adjust automatically.