Winter brings cozy sweaters and crackling fireplaces, but it also brings something less welcome: dry air. When the temperatures drop and we crank up the heat, the air inside our homes loses moisture. That dry air can wreak havoc on our health and even damage our homes.
So, what should humidity be in house in winter? Experts say that the ideal range is between 30-50% relative humidity. This article will cover why that range is so important and how to achieve it.
What’s a good indoor humidity level during the winter?
To understand what humidity level is best for your home, it helps to understand relative humidity.
Understanding relative humidity
Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air as compared to the maximum amount of moisture that air can hold at a particular temperature.
The relative humidity of your indoor air is important because it affects how comfortable you feel and how healthy your home is.
The ideal winter humidity range
Experts say that the ideal humidity range for the winter months is between 30% and 50%.
Keeping your indoor air within that range can prevent it from becoming excessively dry, which can cause nosebleeds and dry skin. It also helps prevent condensation from forming on your windows, which can lead to mold growth.
The dangers of low and high humidity
It’s important to keep the humidity in your home within a certain range. Too much or too little moisture in the air can create a host of problems, both for your health and for your house itself.
Problems associated with low humidity
When the air in your home is too dry, you may experience:
- Dry skin, itchy eyes, and sore throats
- Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
- Cracking wood furniture and flooring
- Static electricity buildup
Problems associated with high humidity
When the air in your home is too moist, you may experience:
- Mold and mildew growth, which can lead to respiratory problems and allergies
- Increased risk of dust mite infestations
- Condensation on windows and walls
- Rotting wood and peeling paint
How can you control the humidity inside your home?
There are several ways to keep the moisture level in your home within a healthy range. Here are a few ideas for increasing or decreasing the humidity as needed.
Methods to increase humidity
- Use humidifiers. There are small, portable humidifiers that work well for a single room, and there are whole-house humidifiers that can be attached to your HVAC system to deliver moisture throughout your house. A whole-house humidifier can provide consistent comfort, especially in a larger home.
- Make simple lifestyle adjustments. Taking shorter, cooler showers can reduce the amount of moisture released into the air. If you’re careful, you can also boil water on the stove to add humidity to your home.
Methods to decrease humidity
- Use dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers pull excess moisture from the air, helping to prevent mold growth and that uncomfortable, clammy feeling. Dehumidifiers are especially useful in damp areas like basements.
- Improve ventilation. Use exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen to vent moisture to the outside. Make sure air can circulate freely throughout your house.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, it’s important to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home during the winter months. Aim to keep your home between 30% and 50% relative humidity to get the most benefits.
You may need to combine several methods to get your home’s humidity to the right level. But taking steps to control your indoor humidity is an investment in your health and the health of your home.