Measured today, the plywood subfloor is 17-20%, and the quartersawn oak flooring is 9%. The A/C has been on for a couple weeks(northern Illinois). What to do now? Crank the furnace up? Wait? What should I be shooting for as far as moisture content goes? Thanks in advance
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I don't know what the optimal moisture contents will be, but the measurements you get will depend on (i) the type of moisture meter you're using and (ii) the species of wood.
Crank up the furnace?
Furnaces do not dry out the air; they convert the cold dry air that seeps into a house (as the warm air rises and sneaks out) into warm dry air.
You A/C will actually remove moisture.
FWIW, using a pin mm (delhorst J-4) some varnished oak flooring next to my computer measures 8% and some plywood a few inches away measures 12%.
They've both been there for years
"It is as hard for the good to suspect evil, as it is for the bad to suspect good."
-- Marcus Tullius Cicero, statesman, orator, writer (106-43 BCE)
No more than a 4% difference between the two, or else by Christmas you will be able to roll a quarter in the gaps. Rent a couple of dehumidifiers and let them run for a week or so.
keep the H.O. informed and educated or else they may think you are stalling.
Good luck, Darren.