Too humid, not humid enough, or just right? It can be hard to determine the right humidity level inside your home, especially when the weather starts to shift outdoors.
The ideal indoor humidity level, in general, falls between 30-50%. This range results in a comfortable indoor environment and prevents microorganism growth, both critical factors for maintaining a healthy, happy home.
Recommendations for managing the humidity level in your home
When it comes to indoor humidity, it’s not always best to just “set it and forget it.” Instead, it’s important to consider outdoor conditions when determining where to set your humidity level. Consider these recommendations for optimal comfort.
- If the temperature outside is 50ºF or above, the humidity level indoors should not exceed 50%.
- If the temperature outside is between 0-49ºF, the humidity should fall within the 30-40% range.
- For temperatures below 0 and as low as -10ºF, humidity should not exceed 20-30%, setting the humidity on the higher side of the range as temperatures increase.
- If your temperature falls below -20ºF, we recommend finding a new place to live (just kidding). But if you decide to stay in your beloved tundra, the humidity level indoors should not exceed 15%.
Why the humidity level matters indoors
So what’s the big deal with humidity? The amount of moisture in the air in your home can be detrimental to your property and health.
If the humidity level is too high:
- High humidity promotes mold, mildew, bacteria, and virus growth.
- Asthma and allergy symptoms also tend to increase with high humidity.
- If your home is too humid, it will result in uncomfortable conditions (a “muggy” feel). This often leads to an increase in use for your home’s cooling devices, resulting in higher utility bills.
If the humidity level is too low:
- Similar to high humidity, humidity levels that are set too low can also increase the risk of asthma and allergy symptoms.
- Low humidity will make your house feel colder, resulting in a need for more heat and increased utility bills.
- If the humidity is severely low, it can cause property damage such as cracks in your flooring and trim.
The best way to control the humidity level
To ensure proper humidity levels in your home, we recommend installing a whole-home humidifier system. These systems are installed directly into your existing HVAC system and introduce moisture in the form of water vapor. Whole home-humidifiers are controlled manually, similar to a thermostat, and work year-round to ensure an ideal humidity level in your home at all times.
Humidifier system installation in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and King George Counties
If you’re ready to keep your home at the optimal humidity level, no matter the season or outside weather, talk to the professional team at Robert B. Payne We can provide a whole-home humidifier system consultation and free estimate. Schedule an appointment today at 540-373-5876.
