Most people don’t think about the ideal humidity level for their home until they experience problems. High humidity can cause mould growth, respiratory problems, and other health issues. Low humidity can lead to dry skin, static electricity, and other issues. So what is the ideal humidity for a home? And how can you keep it at that level?
In this blog post, we will answer those questions and provide tips on maintaining the ideal humidity in your home!
What Is The Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?
Most experts believe that a home setting should have a humidity level of 30-60%. Anything lower than this will cause issues, just as anything greater would cause problems. Your optimal level may be on the higher or lower end of the range, depending on where you reside and your humidity issues.
For example, if you live in an area with high humidity and experience mould or mildew problems, you will want to keep your indoor humidity levels on the lower end. Conversely, if you live in a very dry climate and often experience static electricity or dry skin, you will want to keep your indoor humidity levels at the higher end.
The ideal indoor humidity level also changes with the seasons. In the winter, when it is cold outside, and you are running your heat, you will want to keep your indoor humidity levels on the higher end to prevent dry skin and static electricity.
In the summer, when it is hot and humid outside, you will want to keep your indoor humidity levels on the lower end to prevent mould and mildew growth.
Issues Caused by Low Humidity
If the humidity in your home is too low, you may experience some of the following issues:
- Skin and Throat: Low humidity can cause your skin to become dry, itchy, and flaky. It can also cause your throat to become dry and irritated.
- Static Electricity: When the air is too dry, static electricity becomes more common. It can be annoying and even dangerous if you are handling electrical equipment.
- Furniture Damage: Low humidity can cause wood furniture to crack and split. Your home’s wooden substructure and flooring may also crack.
- Illnesses: Many viruses and bacteria thrive in a low-humidity environment. It’s one of the main reasons flu season occurs in most sections of the nation throughout the winter.
- Cold Spots in House: Low humidity can cause cold spots in your home as the warm air rises and is met with drier conditions near the ceiling
Issues Caused by High Humidity
If the humidity in your home is too high, you may experience some of the following issues:
- Mould and Mildew: High humidity creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew to grow. It can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues.
- Water Damage: High humidity can cause water damage to your home and promote mould growth and mildew.
- Condensation: When the air is too humid, condensation can form on your windows, walls, and other surfaces. It can lead to water damage and the growth of mould and mildew.
- Dust Mites: Dust mites thrive in a high humidity environment. These tiny creatures can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
- Trouble Sleeping: High humidity can make sleeping difficult as your body temperature rises.
- Hot Upper Floors: If your home has more than one level, the upper floors may be significantly hotter than the lower floors due to the rising heat and humidity.
How to Manage Indoor Humidity Level?
You can help maintain the ideal indoor humidity level in your home in a few different ways.
Invest in a humidifier
It is a device that adds moisture to the air. There are many different types of humidifiers on the market. You can get a whole-house humidifier installed as part of your HVAC system or a portable humidifier that you can move from room to room. Be sure to research to find one that will work best for your home.
Get a dehumidifier
It is a device that removes moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers are ideal for homes with high humidity levels. They can help prevent mould, mildew growth, and water damage.
Open your windows
It is a great way to let fresh air into your home and regulate the humidity level. Just be sure to open your windows when the outside humidity level is lower than the inside humidity level.
Use exhaust fans
Exhaust fans can help to remove moisture from the air. They are typically used in the kitchen and bathroom, but they can also be used in other rooms.
Grow plants that absorb humidity
Many plants can help to absorb humidity from the air. Some of these include Boston ferns, peace lilies, and bamboo palms.
Conclusion
The ideal humidity level for a home is between 30 and 50 percent. If the humidity in your home is too low or too high, it can cause various problems. You can help regulate the humidity level in your home, such as by investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier, opening your windows, using exhaust fans, or growing plants that absorb humidity. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your home is comfortable and free of any potential problems.
