Is Your Indoor Humidity Level Balanced? Here’s Why It Matters

Imagine stepping inside on a scorching summer day.

Imagine stepping inside on a scorching summer day. The air is dense, sticking to your body like a wet towel. It is difficult to breathe and every movement seems like a struggle. This is the agony of high humidity, where the indoor humidity level of your home has risen. Now, picture the opposite extreme: a chilly winter morning. The air is dry and scalding, sapping moisture from your skin and making your eyes itch. This is the result of low humidity.

Both situations emphasize the necessity of keeping the indoor humidity level balanced. It’s not just about comfort—outdoor temperature, season (winter months can be particularly dry), and even your living space’s air circulation can significantly impact the indoor humidity level in your home.

Consider indoor air quality as the cornerstone of your house’s health. High indoor humidity levels resulting in excessive moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems and allergies. Drier air, on the other hand, can aggravate asthma symptoms and trigger your sinuses. Be it a small issue like dry skin or static electricity, the imbalance of indoor humidity levels is going to become a constant irritant.

The good news? It is not too late to achieve the perfect indoor humidity level. Extensive research has revealed a range (ideally between 30% and 50%) that supports both comfort and health.

In the next sections, we’ll:

• Dive deeper into the science of indoor relative humidity.
• Scrutinize the means of controlling and monitoring your home’s indoor humidity level.
• Introduce ways to keep the indoor environment healthy.

After all, a comfortable and healthy home shouldn’t feel like a revolutionary new method—it should be the standard.

What is Indoor Humidity?

Imagine your home as a living organism that is always breathing in and out. The air you breathe—the air of your home—is a complex ecosystem that directly affects your overall health. The vital factor in this ecosystem is the indoor humidity level, which is often called the home humidity.

Think of relative humidity as a measure of how much water the air in your house can hold at a specific temperature. Moisture in warm air is more than in cold air, so summer days are often muggy and winter days dry. The outdoor temperature and the season do matter; however, there are other factors at play as well.

High indoor humidity levels (excess humidity) can be a source of problems. Many people suffer from respiratory difficulties and allergies due to the growth of mold and mildew in wet areas. The dust mites, tiny creatures that thrive on dead skin cells, are also in their element in high humidity. This aggravates asthma and allergy symptoms, hence the cycle of sniffles, coughs, and itchy eyes.

Inadequate indoor air quality doesn’t only harm your health; it can also hurt your purse. High indoor humidity levels will place an extra burden on your HVAC system by increasing energy consumption.

On the flip side, low humidity (think: winter dry air) is no less of a challenge. Dry air can be irritating to your sinuses, which may in turn result in respiratory infections and aggravation of pre-existing conditions like asthma. Have you ever woken up with a scratchy throat in the winter? Low humidity could be the reason. The dry air can also be a nightmare for your skin, which becomes dry and itchy.

Hence, what is the magic number? Extensive research shows that a humidity level of 30-50% is the most favorable for comfort and health. Finding the right humidity levels for your home is a matter of walking a tightrope. Factors such as climate (living near the sea level can naturally increase humidity) and occupants’ health (asthma sufferers may need stricter control) are important; your decorating choices (house plants can add moisture to the air) can also be a factor.

Luckily, there are ways to regain control. However, before that, you have to know what the humidity level should be.

How Do You Find the Optimal Indoor Humidity Level?

We have already discussed the necessity of maintaining a constant indoor humidity level. However, how do you know if your home is in tune? The solution is to monitor your home’s indoor humidity level and take action to keep it within the comfortable and healthy range.

The Hygrometer

Your faithful guide on this journey is a hygrometer. This device determines the relative humidity in your house, thus giving you useful data to work with. Consider it a gauge for your indoor air. Most hygrometers are inexpensive and simple to operate.

What Do the Readings Mean?

Once you have your hygrometer readings, here’s a quick guide:

• 30% – 50%
  This is the optimal indoor humidity level for most homes; it promotes both comfort and health.

• Below 30%
  This indicates dry air. It’s time to think about misting the air with a humidifier or placing some plants around the house.

• Above 50%
  This suggests high humidity. Dehumidification strategies such as portable dehumidifiers or improved ventilation could be used.

Is Your Humidity Above 50%?

High humidity can turn your home into a dissatisfying environment, both literally and metaphorically. The good news is that there are effective methods to manage excess moisture and create a healthier and more comfortable atmosphere.

Ventilate

• Open Those Windows Strategically
  If possible, open the windows on two opposite sides of your house to create a cross breeze. This naturally driven airflow is one of the strongest tools for removing moisture and stale air. Do short-term airing at the beginning and end of each day, especially after activities like showers and cooking that generate moisture. If you are struggling in summer, open ventilation during the cooler morning and evening hours when outdoor temperatures are lower. During the hotter part of the day, keep the windows closed and rely on air conditioning to combat high humidity levels.

• Exhaust Fans Are Your Allies
  An exhaust fan is a powerful tool in bathrooms and kitchens and should not be overlooked. Use them during and after activities that increase humidity, such as showering, cooking, and dishwashing. Allow them to run for an extra ten to fifteen minutes to ensure that you remove the moisture and ventilate the area properly.

• Strategic Fan Placement
  A fan can be the best solution for dealing with humidity. Program them to reverse direction during the summer to create a wind chill effect. In winter, direct the airflow clockwise to push the warmer air down from the ceiling. The best way to create air circulation in your house is to place box fans in strategic positions. This can help remove moist air pockets and oxygenate your home. Focus on areas like laundry dryers or damp basements to ensure proper airflow and drying.

Dehumidifiers

To precisely adjust the indoor humidity level in different rooms, you may want to buy a portable dehumidifier. Although these devices have become indispensable for us, they work on the principle of extracting moisture from the air, thus lowering the humidity and making our living conditions more comfortable. Size is a factor to be considered when selecting a dehumidifier. The size of your home will guide you to the right dehumidifier model. A dehumidifier that is smaller in capacity than the space will fail to maintain the right indoor humidity level. The opposite condition is where the unit is too large for your needs and tends to cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency. Look for Energy Star-certified models to ensure energy-efficient operation.

Seek Professional Help

For cases of long-term high humidity problems, it is better to consult with a Morehart AC and Heating technician. They can evaluate your situation and suggest the most effective dehumidification options, taking into account your individual needs and home layout. This may range from whole-house dehumidifiers, which can be added to your existing HVAC system to provide overall moisture control and maintain a balanced indoor humidity level throughout your entire home. A Morehart AC and Heating technician can also check that your HVAC system is running efficiently to control moisture levels. An adequately serviced HVAC system can be a key factor in managing the indoor humidity level in your home.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

Shorter Showers, Cooler Temperatures

Go for shorter showers and reduce the water temperature a little bit. This will produce less steam and therefore add less moisture to your bathroom air, helping to maintain a more stable indoor humidity level. Hang clothes to dry where you can instead of using a clothes dryer. Vented dryers are well-known for adding moisture and heat to your laundry room and even to your entire home, which can worsen the humidity problem. However, if you use a dryer, ensure you vent it directly outside to remove the moisture from your house. Try using moisture-control laundry settings on your dryer if available.

Kitchen Ventilation

When you cook, use the exhaust fan over your stovetop to keep the steam and cooking vapors from increasing the indoor humidity level in your home. To minimize the amount of steam released, cover pots and pans while cooking.

Houseplants

Though houseplants can add beauty and life to your home, mind where you place moisture-loving plants. Cluster them together in places with good air circulation, and do not place them directly in front of air conditioning vents where they can be stressed by the cool drafts. Although they do add a little moisture to the air, it’s important to remember that houseplants can’t really help with severe humidity problems.

Is Your Humidity Below 30%?

Dry winter air can be a real horror for your house’s climate and health. Discomforts such as itchy skin, scratchy throats, and exacerbated allergies are just a few of the issues that can be caused by low indoor humidity levels. Fortunately, there are proven methods to add moisture to the air and thus create a favorable and healthy atmosphere.

Humidify

A humidifier is the direct way to address low indoor humidity levels. There are two main types: cool mist humidifiers and warm mist humidifiers. Cool mist humidifiers are inexpensive and are a good alternative for adding moisture without increasing the room temperature. Warm mist humidifiers are especially useful for people who live in very dry areas or for those who generally dislike cool mist. However, warm mist humidifiers may sometimes contribute to the growth of bacteria and mold if not properly maintained. Depending on the type you select, regular cleaning and proper maintenance are crucial for safe and efficient operation.

Call the Experts

For the best humidity control throughout your entire house, a whole-house humidifier might be the best solution. These units are designed to work in tandem with your existing HVAC system and will automatically add moisture to the air when needed. Whole-house humidifiers offer many advantages over portable ones, such as delivering constant humidity regulation throughout your home. This means you won’t need separate units in each room, and they are usually low-maintenance as they are refilled from your home’s water supply.

When considering a whole-house humidifier, consult with a qualified Morehart AC and Heating technician. They can evaluate your needs and suggest the most suitable type and size of humidifier for your home and HVAC system.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

Place Plants Around

While houseplants won’t bring the rain, they can add a touch of life and a bit of moisture to your living space. Although they are good at increasing the total moisture content in the air, their effectiveness is limited. Choose plants that thrive in high humidity, such as ferns, peace lilies, and spider plants. Group them together in a location with adequate air circulation to maximize their humidity benefits. Be mindful of their placement; they should not be placed directly in front of air conditioning or heating vents where they might be stressed by drafts.

Take Cooler Showers

Though a hot shower is the ultimate relaxation, it can worsen humidity problems. Opt for shorter, cooler showers to reduce the amount of moisture removed from the air.

Dry Your Clothes Outside

Indoor clothes drying, especially in winter, can contribute to increased moisture levels. However, inadequate ventilation can lead to mold issues. Ensure proper ventilation in the room where you are drying clothes and consider using a dehumidifier to counteract condensation buildup.

A balanced approach is key. While humidifying during a dry winter is important, overdoing it can cause problems. Adjust the humidity levels of your home periodically and update your strategies accordingly. A well-trained Morehart AC and Heating employee can assist you in maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels tailored to your needs and climate throughout the year and provide advice on the most suitable methods.

Issue	Solution	Considerations	Expertise from Morehart AC and Heating
High Humidity	Increased Ventilation Strategic Fan Placement Portable Dehumidifiers Whole-House Dehumidifiers (consult Morehart AC)	Climate (humid vs. dry) Moisture sources (bathrooms, cooking)	Dehumidifier sizing and installation HVAC system maintenance
Low Humidity	Humidifiers (cool mist vs. warm mist) Whole-House Humidifiers (consult Morehart AC) Strategic Plant Placement Drying Clothes Strategically	Health conditions (asthma, eczema) Desired comfort level	Humidifier type and maintenance Whole-house humidifier integration

This guide has focused on general strategies for managing indoor humidity. However, we understand that some readers may have unique concerns. Perhaps you live in a climate with persistently high humidity or exceptionally dry air. You may have specific health conditions, like asthma or eczema, that require stricter humidity control. Or perhaps you’re an avid musician concerned about the impact of humidity on your delicate instruments.

Here at Morehart Air Conditioning and Heating, we understand that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work regarding indoor comfort. We encourage readers with unique concerns to contact us for a personalized consultation. Our qualified technicians can assess your specific needs, consider factors like your climate and home’s layout, and recommend the most effective strategies for achieving optimal humidity control.