How warm in the house?

[woodchip]

I think the difference in comfort is because of the humidity in summer and lack of it in winter. Relative humidity is a tricky beast...

Try our maritime climate here. Often 95% in Winter, and not much less in Summer except when the wind is from the SE.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I think the difference in comfort is because of the humidity in summer and lack of it in winter. Starting with ambient air in summer at 80F+ at near 100% relative humidity, one can barely breathe without sweating. Whereas starting with at at 20F and 20-40% humidity and then heating it to 80F+ dries it out a lot. So even with the high temperature it doesn't "feel" like you are perspiring, since your skin stays dry.

Relative humidity is a tricky beast...

Keith, you are right on with your assessment of the humidity. Although we keep the humidity up fairly well in the winter, on those days when my wife washes clothing and hangs stuff by the wood stove that humidity raises to an uncomfortable level and I am very happy when she is finished. I usually try to cut wood when she does the washing so I can be out of the house!