There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing the best home humidity level. Different people in various climates will have different needs.
However, some general guidelines can help you find the right humidity level for your home.
In winter, you want to keep your home humidity level between 30% and 40% to prevent the issues associated with dry air, like static electricity and dry skin. In summer, you should keep the humidity level between 30% to 50% to avoid mold, water damage, and health issues.
This article provides some general guidelines for finding the best home humidity level for you. However, you may need to experiment to find the right level for you and your family.
Read on to learn more.
The Importance of Humidity
Humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. It is usually reported in grams per cubic meter of air (g/m3) or as a saturation percentage.
The optimum home humidity range for human health is generally between 30% and 50%.
Too much humidity can lead to condensation on walls and windows, creating an environment where mold and mildew can grow. It can also make the air feel heavy and muggy.
Not enough humidity can cause the air to feel dry and scratchy. It can also lead to static electricity and dried-out skin.
This is why you want a balanced level of home humidity. The idea is to keep the humidity between 30% and 50% all year round. And it has never been easier to do this with the many products on the market today.
Most people use a hygrometer to measure humidity. This device uses a wet and dry bulb thermometer to measure the water vapor in the air. The reading is given as a percentage.
However, digital hygrometers are also available that use sensors to measure humidity. They are more accurate than analog models but can be more expensive.
The Benefits of Keeping a Healthy Humidity Level in Your Home
There are many benefits to keeping a healthy home humidity level, including:
Preventing Illnesses
A dry environment can lead to a higher incidence of respiratory illnesses such as the common cold and flu. A big reason for this is that viruses thrive in dry conditions.
A humid environment, on the other hand, can help to kill viruses and prevent them from spreading. This is why it is essential to maintain a healthy humidity level, especially during cold and flu season.
Relieving Allergies and Asthma Symptoms
Air that is too dry can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. This is because it dries out the mucus membranes, which makes them more susceptible to irritation.
However, humid air can moisten these membranes and relieve symptoms.
I have suffered from allergies and asthma all my life, and I can tell you from experience that humidifiers have made a massive difference for me. Whenever the air gets dry, my symptoms start to flare up. But I can breathe easier and sleep better when I use a humidifier.
Preventing Static Electricity
Dry air is more prone to static electricity. This can be a nuisance in the winter when you constantly get shocks from door knobs and car doors.
It can also damage electronic equipment, but humidifying the air can help to reduce these issues.
I have also found that my hair is less frizzy when the air is more humid. This is because humidity helps to add moisture to the hair shaft, which prevents it from becoming dry and brittle.
Protecting Your Wood Furniture
Air that is too dry can cause wooden furniture to crack and split. This is because the wood loses moisture, which makes it more susceptible to cracking.
Humidifying the air can help to prevent this type of damage.
This is particularly important to people with sentimental value attached to their furniture. For example, I have an antique dresser that has been in my family for generations.
I make sure to keep the air in my home at a healthy humidity level so that I don’t have to worry about the wood splitting or cracking.
Reducing the Risk of Dust Mites and Mold Growth
Dust mites and mold thrive in environments where there is little moisture. Keeping the air in your home at a healthy humidity level can reduce the risk of mites and mildew in your home.
There are many other benefits to maintaining a healthy home humidity level. These are just a few of the most important ones.
What Is the Best Home Humidity Level for Winter and Summer?
Now that you know the benefits of maintaining a healthy home humidity level, you may wonder what the best home humidity level is for winter and summer.
Here’s everything you need to know:
The Best Humidity Level for Winter
In winter, the air is often drier than at other times. This is because there is less moisture in the air when it is cold outside.
The ideal humidity level for winter is between 30-40% This will help to prevent dry skin, static electricity, and respiratory illnesses. The best way to do this is to run a humidifier.
There are lots of designs, additives, and maintenance considerations to think about when buying a humidifier. But the critical thing is to find one that suits your needs and budget.
For example, if you have allergies, you may want a humidifier with ultrasonic technology. This humidifier produces a cool mist that is less likely to aggravate your symptoms.
These devices are also straightforward to run. You need to fill them up with water and turn them on. But if you feel fancy, you can get a smart humidifier you can control from your smartphone.
We’ve written an article on the 9 best zero waste humidifiers that you should read if you want to find out more on increasing the humidity levels in your home.
The Best Humidity Level for Summer
During the summer, the air is typically more humid than at other times. This is because there is more moisture in the air when it is warm outside.
The ideal humidity level for summer is between 30 and 50 percent. This will help to prevent heat rash, dehydration, and mold growth. To achieve this, you’ll need a dehumidifier.
These devices come in all shapes and sizes. But the most important thing is to find one that suits your space and budget.
For example, if you live in a small space, you may want to get a dehumidifier that can be mounted on the wall. This way, it won’t take up a lot of space.
Or, if you want to save money on your energy bill, you may want to get a dehumidifier that uses environmentally-friendly refrigerant. This type of dehumidifier is more expensive upfront, but it could save you money in the long run.
For more information on how to keep humidity levels down, without the use of a dehumidifier, read our article, entitled, “Lower Humidity in 14 Ways (With No Dehumidifier Required).”
The Consequences of Having Too High or Too Low Humidity in Your Home
Now that you know the ideal humidity levels for winter and summer, you may wonder what happens if your home’s humidity is too high or too low.
Here is my experience with both extremes.
It was summertime, and I had just moved into my new apartment. I was excited to have my own place.
But within a few days, I noticed something was off. The air in my apartment was incredibly humid.
And it wasn’t just me. My roommates were complaining about it too. We tried running the air conditioner, but it didn’t help.
The humidity was so bad that mold started growing on the walls. And it wasn’t just a little mold. It was big, black, and gross. My asthma was acting up badly, and I started feeling really sick.
Eventually, we were forced to move out of the apartment because it was so unhealthy. And it was all because the humidity level was too high.
My buddy and I decided to move to another apartment that did not have humidity issues. However, when winter came, we noticed the air was arid.
Our skin was so dry that it started to crack. And our sinuses were constantly congested. We tried running a small humidifier, which helped us a ton.
That is my experience with both extremes, but it’s not just me. High or low humidity can cause all sorts of problems for your health, your home, and your property.
Tips for Maintaining the Right Humidity Level in Your Home All Year Round
Now that you know the ideal humidity level for winter and summer, here are some tips for maintaining the proper humidity level in your home all year round.
1. Get a Humidifier and Dehumidifier
The most effective way to maintain the proper humidity level in your home is to get a humidifier and dehumidifier. This way, you can adjust the humidity level to suit the season.
You might also want to get the smart versions of these devices. They can be controlled with your smartphone, so you can always ensure your home’s humidity level is just right.
2. Check the Humidity Level Regularly
If you don’t have a smart humidifier or dehumidifier, checking the humidity level in your home regularly is essential. You can do this with a hygrometer.
These devices are available at most hardware stores, and they are usually not very expensive.
3. Ventilate Your Home Regularly
Another important tip is to ventilate your home regularly. This means opening the windows and doors to let fresh air in.
It would help if you also used exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to help remove moisture from these rooms. If left unattended, this moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.
4. Use Houseplants
Houseplants are not only aesthetically pleasing but can also help improve the air quality in your home.
They do this by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They will also release some of their water into the air, provided that you give them enough of it.
Spider plants, peace lilies, and aloe veras are good household plants with all the above benefits.
5. Keep Your Home Clean
It’s also essential to keep your home clean. This means regularly sweeping and mopping the floors and dusting surfaces.
If you vacuum regularly to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair from carpets and upholstery, this will also help to reduce airborne particles that can worsen asthma and allergies.
This will help maintain the good indoor air quality in your home and avoid the respiratory effects of poor air quality.
Over to You
Now you know the ideal humidity levels to aim for in your home during both winter and summer.
You also learned some tips for maintaining the proper humidity level in your home all year round.
So, what are you waiting for?
Get a humidifier and dehumidifier today, and start keeping your home at the perfect humidity level.
Your health and house will thank you for it!