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The Effects of Humidity on You and Your Home

April 11, 2018

Humidity is the level of moisture, in the form of water vapor, present in the air. It’s one of the most important aspects of ensuring comfort in a home but it is also one of the most overlooked. Homeowners tend to focus more on other factors such as temperature when planning out or choosing heaters or air conditioners.

The amount of humidity in your home has a spectrum of effects, ranging from beneficial to potentially harmful. In this guide, we’ll discuss what extremely high or low humidity can do to the human body, and learn the correct recommended level that will provide your home the most comfort.

Low Humidity

Low humidity often occurs in the winter when your home’s system of heaters or air conditioners continuously pump out warm but dry air. Dry air is a result of low levels of humidity. Extended exposure can cause dry and irritated skin and itchiness in the eyes, nose, and throat. Warm, dry air is also the perfect condition for flu viruses to thrive, increasing your chances to contract the disease.

Additionally, dry air draws moisture from almost anywhere it can, which can dry out wooden fixtures in the home, leading to damage and costly repairs.

High Humidity

On the other hand, air conditioners during the summer can often increase the humidity levels inside your home. While the dangers of dry air can be easily visible, the effects of high humidity may be more subtle. High humidity increases your risk of suffering a heat stroke, by lessening the amount of heat your body can dissipate. This is frequently accompanied by dehydration, fatigue, and muscle cramps. In extreme cases, it can also lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The Right Amount With Brody Pennell

Experts on heaters and air conditioners recommend maintaining a level of humidity at around 30% to 50%. You can help maintain healthy levels with whole-home humidifiers. Contact Brody Pennell at (310) 836-0606 about humidifier options for your home. Our services are available in the Greater Los Angeles Area.


About The Author

Brody Pennell

Since 1945, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning is the committed to helping homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area experience total home comfort. In 2021, the readers of the Los Angeles Times voted Brody Pennell the Best HVAC Company in the area.

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Maggie G.
1711675784
Our new AC guys were great! Thank you Juan Molina and Richie for squeezing into our tight attic and for being so professional (and quiet!) during my work-from-home meeting!
Joe S.
1711667055
Steven and Phillip Y. Very professional and got the job done. I’m very happy thank you so much.
Ushma A.
1711663830
Jaun molina and Kyle mike and Raul Ibarra bros work well as a team and did a great install were the best and did an excellent job explaining the issues and finding solutions
Danielle A.
1711662970
Rene and Morales were wonderful! Super helpful in getting our commercial HVAC working again and troubleshooting the main issue with why the heat wasn’t working. Super grateful for their ability to come the same day as well.
W. Peter I.
1711656616
Kevin and David E were polite and fabulous. Thx you!
Paul H.
1711656181
Ruben and Esteban were extremely friendly and clear on what work they had done. Highly recommended
Letty C.
1711655993
Anthony Manzo and Alessandro A great service
Peggy S.
1711655360
James and Armand did a great job!
Terry P.
1711649483
David M and Michael S were both very detail-oriented with exceptional customer-service mentalities and communication skills. They clearly described their findings and what services they would be able to offer. I felt confident that they had thoroughly investigated our HVAC system issues and considered all possible solutions before offering their recommendations. Moreover, they provided recommendations in a manner that did not feel as though they were pressuring us into making a purchase on-the-spot but rather allowed us to come to a decision on a timeline that worked for us. As a team, they spent multiple hours evaluating our HVAC system and left no stone unturned or question unanswered.
Danielle D
1711649263
Exceptional service; professional, courteous, and articulated the work in detail. Ivan D. And Daniel L are excellent. Highly recommended company and team. Thank you.3/28/2024 Daniel B., Ivan D. and Dio were fantastic. Excellent work!!
Rodrigo C.
1711644777
Thank you James H. For your work! The AC is absolutely working better and thank you for the finding a third filter that no one else before could! What a rockstar. Thank you for your labor, we'll see you in three months1
Joe H.
1711642345
Rene and Leo Morales show up early or on time, their attitude and work ethic provide satisfaction. They are very pleasant and know what they’re doing.
Alana D.
1711577999
Juan A and Marco did a great job. Friendly service and thorough.
Martha M.
1711572741
Shawn was fabulous. So professional and so careful of our home.
Jill S.
1711572064
Rene and Leo Morales did a great job today. Brody Pennell is the best!
Connie W.
1711569518
Juan Molina was on time, professional, and picked up a problem with the voltage in our AC compressor voltage that would help prolong the life of the unit3/27/24Timothy, Josh M, and Kyle they were very thorough and answered our questions well.Great explainations and very pleasant.
Dan M.
1711565107
Google does not allow multiple reviews, so editing this to update on the most recent visit.Jason and Armando were assigned and did a fantastic job. They were prompt, courteous and professional. They upheld the high-expectations that I have for Brody Pennell. They were both super friendly and through. They covered all of the expected work and also looked into another issue I was having. They were both able to provide solid advice on how to proceed.From a business standpoint, the scheduling, confirmation, and information regarding the visit was top notch. I felt informed every step of the way and the information was accurate.%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Review from 2023:This review is specific to the HVAC maintenance repair completed this spring. I setup the appoint and received confirmation and a reminder the day before. Once the technician was assigned, I received additional communication that they were on their way.Jose C. arrived and was prompt, courteous and professional. He chatted with us first to talk through what he was going to do, got a lay of the land and then went to work. He took time once he was completed to share his findings, the work he did and discuss next steps. He captured photos of the before and after and documented his work well.He also took the time to call dispatch/office to clarify some confusion, which was great. All in all, great experience from start to finish.
karen S.
1711564697
Juan Molina, Mike Stafford, and Richie Salazar were exceedingly knowledgeable and efficient in servicing our HVAC. They used shoe covers and drop cloths so our condo was clean when they left!
Eliette K.
1711564203
Daniel and Pablo did a great job with the HVAC maintenance.
Nathalie K.
1711562137
James & Alberto were very courteous & thorough. Thank youNicole Karsenty Ligeti
Obele A.
1711555122
René and Leo Morales were fantastic! Very personable. Excellent customer service. They took the time to explain the situation and options for how to proceed. Stamp of approval granted.
Christopher F.
1711521527
Daniel Avila and Pablo Lopez provided very friendly and efficient service.
Kathy I
1711516687
I had to take the time to update my review and thank and compliment Ashton K. and his team of installers Mike, Raul, Elario, and Juan DS who installed our new furnace. Ashton’s knowledge and follow up has been fantastic. The installers workmanship was excellent. They were all professional and respectful and kept our home neat and clean after they finished the installation. The furnace is working perfectly. Our follow up appointments with Jose Rivera, Jonathan A. and Ramiro S. were also handled with the same professionalism.I would highly recommend Brody Pennell. The quality of their furnaces and workmanship are excellent.Juan Molina and Ashton K provided me with great service today. They were both very thorough and detailed in explaining the technical problems that were occurring with my heater. I was very pleased with their high level of service and professionalism.
Jenny W.
1711509954
Today when we had someone come to look at our ancient HVAC, I never imagined that we could be shown in great detail the inner workings of the thing. David Mars with his kit of diagnostic tools and his supervisor Fabio Lopez (I think is Lopez) showed us in photos and videos (even with a tiny camera on a gooseneck that showed inaccessible parts) and explained at length the significance of all the horrors we were looking at. We are now scheduled for installation of a new HVAC tomorrow. I’ll post again if my experience changes but so far we are impressed.
Susan A.
1711495997
Daniel B and Alessandro A were fantastic today! They did a great job doing the maintenance on my system and were just lovely to work with. Great job!
ROSALINDA M.
1711490429
As always Juan Molina provides exceptional service with thorough expertise and the most pleasant and courteous manner. He is. A credit to the BP brand of excellence in service.
Mike B.
1711477483
Timmothy was the best tech that ever came to service my system. He was friendly and thorough and went above and beyond to make sure the job was done to my satisfaction
Lori P.
1711433844
Cristina P.
1711418295
Juan Molinas and Dave ocampo came to my condo for my air maintenance. I’m so impressed with their politeness, care and knowledge. They went above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Brody Pennell.
R A
1711416532
I really enjoy the service guys here. David and Alex were really lovely and the last time Benny was so great. I was already planning on getting a new unit. Wasn’t a huge fan of the particular supervisor I dealt with in terms of sales, but we were able to finalize with Michael and I would like to believe we all have bad days. Michael made us feel much more confident. I will update when I have my new system. I do always appreciate that they are very respectful and adaptive to my medical needs.
Bill C.
1711410254
Kevin and Robert Jadds showed up the same day, went underneath the house, and couldn't have been more pleasant and professional. I have signed up to use Brody for all my HVac needs going forward.
Steve B.
1711405223
Spencer, Mike and Ariel all were exemplarySpencer smartly contacted Mike to ascertain the full parameters of our problem and while waiting initiated with Ariel our condenser maintenance. And Mike presented us with options that satisfied our needs. Great team
Arik M.
1711404349
Timothy and Juan D. Did an excellent job cleaning my mini-split unit indoor and outdoor.
Maria T.
1711401681
Anthony Manzo David EThey did a great job trying to figure out how to fix. Great job guys!
cynthia C.
1711397456
Timothy TranJuan Dejesus
CRMCSYS
1711393886
Marco Ayala (technician), Juan U. (apprentice) and their supervisor Ashton were courteous, patient and thorough. They reviewed the problems I have with my Carrier unit and explained why I needed it replaced. I was given the choice of 3 new models with price and labor for each. They offered to contact my HOA’s management company for the roof installation and will arrange a city inspection after the work is completed. I would not hesitate recommending Brody Pennell to family and friends.
Kerrie K.
1711390619
Benny was thorough in his inspection, and he went over and above in answering my questions and giving me sound advice. His patience and professionalism are so rare these days. Thank You
Dylan L.
1711387435
Timothy Tran and Juan D. were exceptional!!!
Joe B.
1711226631
Excellent work!! Very cordial and informative. Super attentive. Right on time. All great.
Kimberly B.
1711222248
Wanted to give a big thanks to Mike, Raul, Rosendo & Nathan from Brody Pennell Plumbing & Heating for the installation of our new HVAC system, the professionalism of the guys & quality of the installation was top notch!!!
Isabel W.
1711145412
Juan Molina and Freddy did a great job! Very clean and very respectful :)
Dagoberto V.
1711141678
Great guys both Juan and Tony hope to see them next service stay safe ., great to deal with and very good knowledge
David O.
1711136928
3/22 - clean, fast, courteous job with Troy and Phil. Very polite and thorough! Another fantastic job by the people at BrodyYet another pleasant service experience with Marcos!!! Also told me about an air scrubber install that Brody can do as well.10/9: another great job by Steven
Diane S.
1711134416
M H.
1711131246
Today Armando and Jadds provided the professional technical service that Brody Pennell has always delivered for years.Our A/C / Heating system is getting older, but the excellent routine maintenance and advice Brody Pennell has given me keeps everything running smoothly.
Khemsuay P.
1711129519
03.22.2024Juan Molina and Freddy are very god at what they do, freindly and knowledgeable.I really recommend them .Enmity is the best !!I really recommend him
Deke S.
1711126198
Rene & Leo. On time. Friendly. Respectful. A+++
Mario Sanz S.
1711125163
Very easy to connect and schedule an appointment for my heater maintenance.Maria was on time, very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to all my questions, providing clear responses to each.
Mo S
1711059929
Timothy and Mike provided one of the best customer experiences I ever had! Their kindness, thoroughness, knowledge, and expertise were top notch! They went beyond the call of duty and helped us tremendously! Thank you immensely!!
Ellen C.
1711057975
Rene and Leo were very kind and efficient!
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This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Maggie G.
1711675784
Our new AC guys were great! Thank you Juan Molina and Richie for squeezing into our tight attic and for being so professional (and quiet!) during my work-from-home meeting!
Joe S.
1711667055
Steven and Phillip Y. Very professional and got the job done. I’m very happy thank you so much.
Ushma A.
1711663830
Jaun molina and Kyle mike and Raul Ibarra bros work well as a team and did a great install were the best and did an excellent job explaining the issues and finding solutions
Danielle A.
1711662970
Rene and Morales were wonderful! Super helpful in getting our commercial HVAC working again and troubleshooting the main issue with why the heat wasn’t working. Super grateful for their ability to come the same day as well.
W. Peter I.
1711656616
Kevin and David E were polite and fabulous. Thx you!
Paul H.
1711656181
Ruben and Esteban were extremely friendly and clear on what work they had done. Highly recommended
Letty C.
1711655993
Anthony Manzo and Alessandro A great service
Peggy S.
1711655360
James and Armand did a great job!
Terry P.
1711649483
David M and Michael S were both very detail-oriented with exceptional customer-service mentalities and communication skills. They clearly described their findings and what services they would be able to offer. I felt confident that they had thoroughly investigated our HVAC system issues and considered all possible solutions before offering their recommendations. Moreover, they provided recommendations in a manner that did not feel as though they were pressuring us into making a purchase on-the-spot but rather allowed us to come to a decision on a timeline that worked for us. As a team, they spent multiple hours evaluating our HVAC system and left no stone unturned or question unanswered.
Danielle D
1711649263
Exceptional service; professional, courteous, and articulated the work in detail. Ivan D. And Daniel L are excellent. Highly recommended company and team. Thank you.3/28/2024 Daniel B., Ivan D. and Dio were fantastic. Excellent work!!
Rodrigo C.
1711644777
Thank you James H. For your work! The AC is absolutely working better and thank you for the finding a third filter that no one else before could! What a rockstar. Thank you for your labor, we'll see you in three months1
Joe H.
1711642345
Rene and Leo Morales show up early or on time, their attitude and work ethic provide satisfaction. They are very pleasant and know what they’re doing.
Alana D.
1711577999
Juan A and Marco did a great job. Friendly service and thorough.
Martha M.
1711572741
Shawn was fabulous. So professional and so careful of our home.
Jill S.
1711572064
Rene and Leo Morales did a great job today. Brody Pennell is the best!
Connie W.
1711569518
Juan Molina was on time, professional, and picked up a problem with the voltage in our AC compressor voltage that would help prolong the life of the unit3/27/24Timothy, Josh M, and Kyle they were very thorough and answered our questions well.Great explainations and very pleasant.
Dan M.
1711565107
Google does not allow multiple reviews, so editing this to update on the most recent visit.Jason and Armando were assigned and did a fantastic job. They were prompt, courteous and professional. They upheld the high-expectations that I have for Brody Pennell. They were both super friendly and through. They covered all of the expected work and also looked into another issue I was having. They were both able to provide solid advice on how to proceed.From a business standpoint, the scheduling, confirmation, and information regarding the visit was top notch. I felt informed every step of the way and the information was accurate.%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Review from 2023:This review is specific to the HVAC maintenance repair completed this spring. I setup the appoint and received confirmation and a reminder the day before. Once the technician was assigned, I received additional communication that they were on their way.Jose C. arrived and was prompt, courteous and professional. He chatted with us first to talk through what he was going to do, got a lay of the land and then went to work. He took time once he was completed to share his findings, the work he did and discuss next steps. He captured photos of the before and after and documented his work well.He also took the time to call dispatch/office to clarify some confusion, which was great. All in all, great experience from start to finish.
karen S.
1711564697
Juan Molina, Mike Stafford, and Richie Salazar were exceedingly knowledgeable and efficient in servicing our HVAC. They used shoe covers and drop cloths so our condo was clean when they left!
Eliette K.
1711564203
Daniel and Pablo did a great job with the HVAC maintenance.
Nathalie K.
1711562137
James & Alberto were very courteous & thorough. Thank youNicole Karsenty Ligeti
Obele A.
1711555122
René and Leo Morales were fantastic! Very personable. Excellent customer service. They took the time to explain the situation and options for how to proceed. Stamp of approval granted.
Christopher F.
1711521527
Daniel Avila and Pablo Lopez provided very friendly and efficient service.
Kathy I
1711516687
I had to take the time to update my review and thank and compliment Ashton K. and his team of installers Mike, Raul, Elario, and Juan DS who installed our new furnace. Ashton’s knowledge and follow up has been fantastic. The installers workmanship was excellent. They were all professional and respectful and kept our home neat and clean after they finished the installation. The furnace is working perfectly. Our follow up appointments with Jose Rivera, Jonathan A. and Ramiro S. were also handled with the same professionalism.I would highly recommend Brody Pennell. The quality of their furnaces and workmanship are excellent.Juan Molina and Ashton K provided me with great service today. They were both very thorough and detailed in explaining the technical problems that were occurring with my heater. I was very pleased with their high level of service and professionalism.
Jenny W.
1711509954
Today when we had someone come to look at our ancient HVAC, I never imagined that we could be shown in great detail the inner workings of the thing. David Mars with his kit of diagnostic tools and his supervisor Fabio Lopez (I think is Lopez) showed us in photos and videos (even with a tiny camera on a gooseneck that showed inaccessible parts) and explained at length the significance of all the horrors we were looking at. We are now scheduled for installation of a new HVAC tomorrow. I’ll post again if my experience changes but so far we are impressed.
Susan A.
1711495997
Daniel B and Alessandro A were fantastic today! They did a great job doing the maintenance on my system and were just lovely to work with. Great job!
ROSALINDA M.
1711490429
As always Juan Molina provides exceptional service with thorough expertise and the most pleasant and courteous manner. He is. A credit to the BP brand of excellence in service.
Mike B.
1711477483
Timmothy was the best tech that ever came to service my system. He was friendly and thorough and went above and beyond to make sure the job was done to my satisfaction
Lori P.
1711433844
Cristina P.
1711418295
Juan Molinas and Dave ocampo came to my condo for my air maintenance. I’m so impressed with their politeness, care and knowledge. They went above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Brody Pennell.
R A
1711416532
I really enjoy the service guys here. David and Alex were really lovely and the last time Benny was so great. I was already planning on getting a new unit. Wasn’t a huge fan of the particular supervisor I dealt with in terms of sales, but we were able to finalize with Michael and I would like to believe we all have bad days. Michael made us feel much more confident. I will update when I have my new system. I do always appreciate that they are very respectful and adaptive to my medical needs.
Bill C.
1711410254
Kevin and Robert Jadds showed up the same day, went underneath the house, and couldn't have been more pleasant and professional. I have signed up to use Brody for all my HVac needs going forward.
Steve B.
1711405223
Spencer, Mike and Ariel all were exemplarySpencer smartly contacted Mike to ascertain the full parameters of our problem and while waiting initiated with Ariel our condenser maintenance. And Mike presented us with options that satisfied our needs. Great team
Arik M.
1711404349
Timothy and Juan D. Did an excellent job cleaning my mini-split unit indoor and outdoor.
Maria T.
1711401681
Anthony Manzo David EThey did a great job trying to figure out how to fix. Great job guys!
cynthia C.
1711397456
Timothy TranJuan Dejesus
CRMCSYS
1711393886
Marco Ayala (technician), Juan U. (apprentice) and their supervisor Ashton were courteous, patient and thorough. They reviewed the problems I have with my Carrier unit and explained why I needed it replaced. I was given the choice of 3 new models with price and labor for each. They offered to contact my HOA’s management company for the roof installation and will arrange a city inspection after the work is completed. I would not hesitate recommending Brody Pennell to family and friends.
Kerrie K.
1711390619
Benny was thorough in his inspection, and he went over and above in answering my questions and giving me sound advice. His patience and professionalism are so rare these days. Thank You
Dylan L.
1711387435
Timothy Tran and Juan D. were exceptional!!!
Joe B.
1711226631
Excellent work!! Very cordial and informative. Super attentive. Right on time. All great.
Kimberly B.
1711222248
Wanted to give a big thanks to Mike, Raul, Rosendo & Nathan from Brody Pennell Plumbing & Heating for the installation of our new HVAC system, the professionalism of the guys & quality of the installation was top notch!!!
Isabel W.
1711145412
Juan Molina and Freddy did a great job! Very clean and very respectful :)
Dagoberto V.
1711141678
Great guys both Juan and Tony hope to see them next service stay safe ., great to deal with and very good knowledge
David O.
1711136928
3/22 - clean, fast, courteous job with Troy and Phil. Very polite and thorough! Another fantastic job by the people at BrodyYet another pleasant service experience with Marcos!!! Also told me about an air scrubber install that Brody can do as well.10/9: another great job by Steven
Diane S.
1711134416
M H.
1711131246
Today Armando and Jadds provided the professional technical service that Brody Pennell has always delivered for years.Our A/C / Heating system is getting older, but the excellent routine maintenance and advice Brody Pennell has given me keeps everything running smoothly.
Khemsuay P.
1711129519
03.22.2024Juan Molina and Freddy are very god at what they do, freindly and knowledgeable.I really recommend them .Enmity is the best !!I really recommend him
Deke S.
1711126198
Rene & Leo. On time. Friendly. Respectful. A+++
Mario Sanz S.
1711125163
Very easy to connect and schedule an appointment for my heater maintenance.Maria was on time, very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to all my questions, providing clear responses to each.
Mo S
1711059929
Timothy and Mike provided one of the best customer experiences I ever had! Their kindness, thoroughness, knowledge, and expertise were top notch! They went beyond the call of duty and helped us tremendously! Thank you immensely!!
Ellen C.
1711057975
Rene and Leo were very kind and efficient!
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