HVAC Contributor
Indoor humidity is one of the most overlooked parts of indoor climate regulation, and it may be a significant source of pain! How frequently do you keep the ideal room temperature but still feel something is off? It’s most likely your home’s humidity level.
With the arrival of winter, you must have taken steps to winterize your home and prepare for a warm holiday season this year. But have you considered the humidity levels, which are also expected to plummet? During the summer, the entire process is reversed, but it is still critical when the humidity levels are too high!
We’ve got everything you need to know about indoor humidity covered.
You’ll know the appropriate indoor humidity levels for you after reading this article, as well as ideas and tactics for controlling moisture indoors throughout the year.
Indoor Humidity That Works Best
The amount of water vapor in the air is also known as humidity. Humidity level is typically greater in the summer and lower in the winter.
The exact humidity level in your home is determined by a number of factors. It will primarily depend on the season, the clothing you’re wearing, and the level of comfort your family requires based on their specific demands.
We want to make it clear that both too low and too high humidity levels might cause serious problems, therefore you should strive for a balanced indoor humidity level.
In The Winter, Ideal Indoor Humidity
We are unable to provide a single number because it is dependent on the temperature both inside and outside your home. For the chilly weather, a humidity level of 30-40% is ideal.
In The Summer, Ideal Indoor Humidity
In the summer, depending on the outside temperature, the ideal interior humidity level should be around 40-50 percent. To avoid mold and bacteria growth in your home, keep the indoor humidity below 50% in all situations.
What Is The Best Way to Measure Indoor Humidity?
The simplest approach to assess indoor humidity is to buy a hygrometer or an indoor humidity monitor. Simply place the little device in the area you want to test and follow the on-screen instructions. The humidity level in your home will be displayed as a percentage on the hygrometer.
If you don’t have any specific equipment, you may easily do an indoor humidity test yourself! An ice cube test can determine whether your home has high or low amounts of wet air. Two to three ice cubes should be placed in a glass of water and stirred. If no moisture forms outside the glass after three to four minutes, the air is excessively dry. Moisture on the outside of the glass indicates that the air is excessively damp.
If you don’t have any specific equipment, you may easily do an indoor humidity test yourself! An ice cube test can determine whether your home has high or low amounts of wet air. Two to three ice cubes should be placed in a glass of water and stirred. If no moisture forms outside the glass after three to four minutes, the air is excessively dry. Moisture on the outside of the glass indicates that the air is excessively damp.
How Can I Reduce Indoor Humidity?
As previously said, high humidity levels cause
serious concerns that must be addressed in order to enjoy a comfortable environment. Here are seven effective ways to reduce indoor humidity.
1. Invest in a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is most effective at higher humidity levels and is best suited to warmer climates. It operates by sucking moisture from the air and collecting it in a detachable tank. As a result, it is not incorrect to suggest that a dehumidifier functions similarly to an air conditioner. Both gadgets work on the same principle, absorbing moisture from the air and cooling it. The only difference is that an air conditioner can also blow chilly air into your space. Please read our post to learn more about the two options and to determine which is best for you.
2. Shower in The cold
Who doesn’t enjoy long, steamy showers? As a result, it’s no wonder that they’ve become a part of your daily routine that you’re not ready to give up!
Unfortunately, you may not be aware, but hot showers expose your home to moisture, which is the enemy of home comfort in situations where humidity is already high.
We’re not suggesting you take ice-cold baths, but reducing the temperature of your showers by a few degrees will reduce the amount of steam in the air. Your bathrooms will be less prone to mold growth since chilly showers release less moisture than hot ones.
3. Plants That Absorb Moisture Should Be Grown
Houseplants can be extremely beneficial in a variety of ways. Most of them serve as dehumidifiers by naturally absorbing water from the air through their leaves, helping you to reduce humidity. Furthermore, they are attractive to the eye in the inside of your home.
4. Exhaust Fan Installation
Exhaust fans are already installed in most residences. Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can help maintain a low humidity level. They work by removing excess humidity from the air caused by showering, boiling water, and other similar activities. If your home lacks these fans, purchasing them will aid in maintaining ideal interior humidity.
5. Activate Windows
Air circulation will help to alleviate the stuffy, sticky feeling that comes with a moist environment, so open windows and doors as needed to let fresh air in. Keeping inside doors open allows air to move freely throughout your home, giving a sense of equilibrium.
6. Outdoor Dry Cleaning
When you’re already dealing with a humidity problem, there’s no rhyme or reason to hang wet or damp garments to dry indoors, save in extreme cases. The evaporating water from your garments has nowhere else to go but into your home’s air. So, to keep the undesired moisture out of your lodging, dry your laundry outside!
7. Rugs Should Be Replaced
Carpets cause more harm than most people know, despite the fact that they are frequently disregarded. Carpets absorb and retain moisture, in addition to adding visual appeal and cushioning floors. They could be quietly contributing to your home’s stuffiness. If all other methods of dehumidification have failed, you should consider replacing your rug or carpet.
How Can I Make My Home More Humid?
Low humidity levels can be just as damaging as high humidity levels. Let’s take a look at seven different techniques to increase humidity.
1. Invest in A Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air to prevent dryness, which can irritate various sections of the body. It’s very effective for treating dry skin, nose, throat, and lips in the winter. It also aids in the relief of some flu and cold symptoms.
However, using a humidifier excessively can be problematic. As a result, it’s recommended to invest in a smart home humidifier that adjusts the temperature of a room based on the schedules or preferences you establish using its smart capabilities.
Having said that, you should also keep an eye on the humidifiers you’re utilizing. Cleaning them on a regular basis is recommended, since they can become a breeding ground for mold or bacteria.
2. Shower in Hot Water
We know that taking long showers and baths can cause dry, spotty skin, so we don’t suggest it. However, if you act wisely, you can benefit from the steam by allowing it to enter your room. By simply leaving the water in the tub and opening the bathroom door, you may humidify the indoor air without having to spend hours in the shower. Allowing water to evaporate in the air will result in moist air and hence a more comfortable environment around your home.
3. Indoor Dry Cleaning
If you don’t want to spend money on a humidifier, you can make one yourself or experiment with other techniques to distribute water vapors in the air. To begin, hang your laundry to dry indoors. You’ll be able to raise the humidity level while lowering drying and heating costs.
4. Dishes Should Be Air-Dried
With your dishes, you can do something very similar. Leave your dishwasher open after the final wash cycle and allow the hot, humid air permeate your home while the dishes air dry. Including this strategy in your daily routine can save you money while also providing the necessary moisture to the air.
5. Lidless Cooking
You can also save money by cooking and heating water on your cooktop. Isn’t that awesome?
While cooking or boiling water, the vapor will go into the air. This easy approach will allow you to use your stove more frequently rather than relying on the microwave, boosting the humidity level in your home.
6. Grow Plants at Home
Plants are wonderful, as we all know! But are you taking advantage of them?
If not, they can increase the humidity and air quality in your home in addition to lighting up your room. Humidifying plants provide numerous medical benefits. Evapotranspiration is a process by which they add moisture to the air.
7. Incorporate an Indoor Fountain
Any source of water in your home will help to raise humidity levels. As a result, installing an indoor fountain will add to the attractiveness of your home while also moistening the dry air.
Yes, it is that simple to maintain the correct humidity levels in your home. All you have to do now is add a few tricks and tweak your routine, and voila!
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings