The rising temperatures of the Earth, thanks to global warming, and the increased pollution in our atmosphere have sparked considerable concern and generated numerous discussions on how we can maintain the current temperatures, if not lower them, and how we can reduce the amount of toxins floating through our air. Both are serious concerns, but they aren’t the only atmospheric concerns you should have. You shouldn’t focus solely on the temperature and purity of the world outside your house but also of the one within your walls, for the climate inside your home is just as important to your daily living and physical wellbeing.

Maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels in your home requires proper insulation, ventilation and exposure, as well as efficiently functioning heating, cooling and humidifying systems. The first step in ensuring that you have these is hiring a qualified heating and cooling contractor to come inspect your systems at least once a year. In between inspections you should take on some of the maintenance yourself, making sure the thermostat works properly, checking the sealing around ducts and keeping the indoors as clean and comfortable as possible.

You also want to take proper care of all of your systems, beginning with your heating system. If it’s an older system, relying on a furnace to warm the house, consider installing new equipment. Modern technology has made it easier than ever before to heat your home for less - less money and less energy. In addition to new technology, be mindful of what’s already there. Your furnace probably has a filter, which eliminates dirt and dust from the air. If the filter is dirty, your heating system will have to work harder to obtain the same level of warmth. Clean or change it whenever necessary.

When you aren’t worried about heat, you should be worried about staying cool. Central air conditioning with a scroll compressor or similar add on can efficiently cool your entire home, but there are other steps you can take as well. Put shade trees in the yard, install awnings over windows and doors, get special window treatments and windows, and do whatever else you can to block the sun. If the rays can’t get in, they can’t overheat you, and you won’t have to be so concerned with how high the A.C. is.

Finally, make sure you maintain a humidity level of less than 60 percent during the summer and between 30 and 50 percent in the winter. This will make any temperature - hot or cold - more bearable. Installing a humidifier will keep the air from drying out, however this will generally only be necessary during the winter. In the summer, you’ll be more concerned with lowering the humidity and that is accomplished with a well-oiled cooling system. To keep humidity down you want something that runs efficiently and with ease, not only cooling you but also dehumidifying you.

The temperature and level of moisture in your house are nothing to joke about. Without adequate numbers of both, you will live your years miserably uncomfortable. You won’t sleep; you won’t wake; you won’t be able to do anything but swelter in the unbearable heat, shake in the frigid cold or sweat profusely in the overly humid areas of the house. And that, with its limiting options, is most certainly something to avoid.