Best Humidity for Home + How to Decrease the Humidity

What is Humidity? 

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. When there is a large amount of moisture, the humidity level is high, making the air feel damp or sticky. Weather forecasts typically describe humidity in terms of relative humidity. Think of it as how “wet” or “dry” the air feels. For example, on a humid day, the air might feel sticky because there’s a lot of moisture. 

Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. This is why summer days can feel sticky and uncomfortable—there’s more moisture in the air. In contrast, during winter, the air holds less moisture, which is why your skin might feel dry. 

Types of Humidity 

When it comes to the best humidity for your home, there are two types of humidity that play a factor in what your home will feel like: 

Absolute humidity refers to the total amount of water in the air. Absolute humidity measures how much water vapor (moisture) is in the air, often shown in grams per cubic meter. The more water vapor in the air, the higher the absolute humidity.  Unlike relative humidity, absolute humidity doesn’t change when the temperature changes. 

Relative humidity tells us how much moisture is in the air compared to how much moisture the air can hold at a certain temperature. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, so the same amount of moisture will feel more humid when it’s cooler and less humid when it’s warmer. 

Why Should You Care About Humidity? 

There are several reasons why the humidity in your home matters. Most importantly, high and low humidity can affect your health and well-being. high humidity promotes mold, dust mites, and worsens allergies and asthma while low humidity causes dry skin, sore throat, and sinus issues. The right humidity level in your home helps you stay healthy and breathe easier. 

An imbalanced humidity level can also affect the overall comfort of your home. High humidity can’t evaporate sweat properly, making you feel hotter and more fatigued causing you to rely on your air conditioner for comfort thus raising your energy costs. This can also lead to disrupted sleep, reduced focus. 

Low humidity reduces your comfort by making the air feel dry and colder, leaving you chilled and uncomfortable even at normal temperatures. Dry air can cause dry skin, irritation, and static shocks. A balanced humidity level in your home can lead to a more comfortable sleeping environment. 

Lastly, the wrong humidity level can lead to reduced energy efficiency and energy savings. High humidity makes your AC work harder, raising energy bills while low humidity can make your heating system work harder, also raising energy bills. A balanced humidity reduces the need for extra heating or cooling, saving energy while maintaining comfort throughout the year. 

What Is Considered Low Indoor Humidity? 

All this talk about high and low humidity might have you wondering, “what is considered a low and high humidity level?” 

As a rule of thumb, when indoor humidity drops below 30%, it’s considered low. This low humidity level is common in winter, especially in areas with freezing temperatures and snow like the Midwest and East Coast. 

Keep an eye out for dry skin, lips, eyes, and sore throats or even itchiness and irritation. This can be a sign of low humidity in your home. 

Consistent low levels of humidity can affect your home as well leading to wood materials (like floors) to shrink, crack, or warp. Wallpaper can peel and form gaps and in extreme cases, it may fall off entirely. Low humidity levels can cause static electricity to increase causing paint to chip as well. 

What Is Considered High Indoor Humidity? 

When indoor humidity rises above 60%, it’s considered high. This is more common in the summertime and in most regions that experience consistent summer heat. 

High indoor humidity can worsen respiratory issues like asthma and allergies. Homes with high humidity can give off a moist, sticky feeling and promote a foul, muggy odor. Increased humidity creates condensation on windows and encourages mold growth, attracts insects and can damage furniture and fabrics. Prolonged high humidity can weaken your home’s structural integrity over time, potentially leading to costly repairs. 

What Humidity Should My House Be? 

The best humidity for your home ranges between 30% and 50% for optimal comfort and health. To prevent mold growth, it’s best to keep it below 50%. However, you can adjust it based on your comfort preferences.  

Some homeowners may prefer slightly higher or lower humidity depending on personal comfort, but drastic deviations can cause health and structural issues. Indoor humidity should align with outdoor levels to reduce condensation and maintain proper airflow. For example, if it’s extremely humid outside, without proper ventilation or control, moisture can build up inside, leading to discomfort and structural damage. 

Best Humidity for Home During Summer 

If you’re looking for the best humidity for your home during the summer, aim to keep indoor humidity between 30% and 45%. 

High summer temperatures cause the air to hold more moisture, making it feel hotter and more uncomfortable. This is why it’s important to keep your home’s humidity on the lower side; a higher humidity level will make your home feel sticky. 

For an added layer of protection, use dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or improved ventilation to maintain comfortable levels and prevent mold or mildew. 

Best Humidity for Home During Winter 

For the best humidity levels in the winter, maintain humidity between 30% and 60%. 

Maintaining this range ensures comfort while preventing problems like static shocks, dryness, and respiratory discomfort. It also safeguards wooden furniture and flooring from cracking due to insufficient moisture levels. 

Cold air holds less moisture, which can cause dry air inside your home. Low humidity in winter can lead to dry skin, irritated sinuses, and lead to an increase in damage to your floors. 

How to Check the Humidity Levels in Your Home 

If you’re wondering how you can find the humidity levels in your home, you can do so with a few simple tools and steps. 

The most accurate way to check the humidity levels in your home is by using a digital or analog hygrometer, which measures humidity levels in real time. Digital hygrometers provide real-time humidity readings and often include temperature readings.  

Some models can connect to smart home systems for remote monitoring. In the same way, smart thermostats often display your humidity levels in their respective apps or screen menus. 

Physical signs like foggy windows, static electricity, and moldy smells can be indications of your humidity levels too if you don’t have access to these devices. 

Factors That Affect Humidity Levels in Your Home 

There are several factors that affect the humidity levels in your home. One of the most common is weather. Hot temperatures mixed with rain add moisture to the air, increasing humidity. Humidity changes with the seasons—it’s usually higher in summer and lower in winter. 

Activities like cooking, taking hot showers, or drying clothes indoors add moisture to the air contributing to higher humidity levels in your home. That’s why your bathroom might feel steamy after a shower. 

In the same way, good ventilation (airflow) helps control humidity by letting excess moisture escape. Proper insulation keeps outside air (and its moisture) from affecting your home’s humidity levels. 

Plumbing issues like leaks in pipes, faucets, and under sinks can create constant moisture buildup, raising humidity levels over time. Hidden leaks may also promote mold growth, leading to poor air quality. Similarly, poorly sealed walls, floors, and windows allow outside moisture to seep inside, increasing humidity levels indoors. Also, the materials that make up your home like concrete, brick, and wood, can absorb and release moisture leading to varying levels of humidity.  

The location of your home affects the humidity levels in your abode. Homes near water bodies, such as lakes or rivers, are more prone to higher humidity levels.  

How you decorate your home effects your humidity level as well. Thick carpeting and upholstered furniture can trap moisture, especially in rooms with poor ventilation. Curtains and heavy drapes may also block airflow, allowing condensation to build up on windows and walls leading to more humidity. Lastly, houseplants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which can raise indoor humidity levels. In homes with many plants, humidity may increase if ventilation is poor, but some plants can also help balance humidity by absorbing excess moisture. 

Problems Caused by Improper Humidity Levels 

High or low humidity levels can lead to several issues. This is why it’s so important to find the best humidity level for your home. Here are some of the most common problems you might experience: 

Issues with High Humidity 

Mold and mildew growth: High humidity provides the ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive, which can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues.  

Allergy and asthma aggravation: Trapped allergens in humid air can worsen symptoms for people with allergies and asthma.  

Heat related illnesses: When combined with high temperatures, high humidity makes it harder for the body to cool down, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.  

Skin problems: Excess moisture in the air can lead to oily skin and acne breakouts.  

Poor sleep quality: High humidity can disrupt sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep.  

Condensation buildup: Moisture in the air can condense on surfaces like windows and pipes, leading to potential water damage. 

Respiratory discomfort: Humid air can irritate the respiratory system, causing discomfort and breathing difficulties, especially for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Dehydration: In hot and humid conditions, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration if not adequately replenished with fluids. 

Issues with Low Humidity 

Health concerns: Dry skin and lips, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, increased risk of respiratory infections like colds and flu, worsened asthma symptoms, nosebleeds.  

Home environment issues: Damaged wood furniture and floors due to shrinking and cracking, peeling paint and wallpaper, increased static electricity.  

Discomfort: Feeling colder than the actual temperature due to faster heat loss from the body in dry air. 

Average Humidity in Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania 

It’s no secret that where you live can affect the humidity level in your home. Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania experience a mix of seasonal humidity changes, with high moisture levels in the summer and drier air in the winter. The Great Lakes and varying weather patterns contribute to fluctuating indoor humidity.  

Here is the average humidity levels of Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania: 

What Humidity Level is Uncomfortable? 

Humidity levels above 60% are often considered uncomfortable, making the air feel sticky and harder to breathe. High humidity reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweat evaporation, leading to overheating and fatigue. 

Humidity below 29% can also be uncomfortable, causing dry skin, sore throats, and respiratory irritation. 

Does Humidity Make It Feel Hotter or Cooler? 

If you’re wondering if humidity makes it feel hotter or colder, the short answer is, that it depends on your humidity level! 

High humidity makes it feel hotter than the actual temperature because moisture in the air slows down sweat evaporation, preventing natural body cooling. 

Low humidity can make cold air feel even colder by speeding up the evaporation of moisture from your skin, leading to chills and dryness. This phenomenon is called the “heat index” or “wind chill effect,” depending on the season. 

Does Humidity Increase During Summer? 

Yes, humidity typically rises in summer because warm air holds more moisture. Regions near water bodies or with frequent rainfall experience even higher summer humidity. This increase can lead to discomfort, making air conditioning or dehumidification necessary. 

Does Humidity Rise or Fall? 

Humidity fluctuates based on temperature, weather, time of day and whether it’s relative or absolute humidity. 

Relative humidity will be higher (rise) if the air is cooler, and lower (falls) if the air is warmer, assuming the same amount of absolute/specific humidity. Absolute humidity increases with the amount of water vapor in the air, regardless of temperature. 

Best Humidity Level for Sleeping 

Keeping humidity within the 30% to 50% range creates the perfect environment for restful sleep. High humidity makes it difficult for your body to cool itself by evaporating sweat, leading to overheating and discomfort. Low humidity can cause the air to feel colder, which may disrupt sleep by causing chills or dryness. A balanced humidity level ensures that your body can maintain a stable temperature, which is essential for deep sleep. 

Keep in mind that too much moisture promotes the growth of mold, dust mites, and bacteria, which can worsen allergies and respiratory issues. On the other hand, air that is too dry can irritate your nasal passages, throat, and eyes, leading to congestion and interrupted sleep. 

Dry air can aggravate snoring by causing nasal and throat irritation and dryness. Maintaining moderate humidity keeps your airways moist, which may help reduce snoring and improve airflow. 

Comfortable air with moderate humidity reduces sweating, stickiness, and other sensations that can cause restlessness. Properly balanced humidity also prevents static electricity buildup and protects bedding, furniture, and floors from damage due to moisture extremes and causes your room to feel less sticky and lead to overall comfort. 

What Humidity Should a Basement Be? 

Basements should ideally have a humidity level between 30% and 50% to prevent moisture buildup. 

High humidity in basements can lead to mold, mildew, and water damage due to poor ventilation and cool conditions. A dehumidifier is often necessary to maintain appropriate levels, especially during summer or in regions with high outdoor humidity. Keep an eye on condensation on walls and windows, which may signal excess moisture. 

Ideal Humidity for a Baby’s Room 

The optimal indoor humidity for babies is between 30% and 50%, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Air that is too dry can lead to respiratory issues, dry skin, and irritated nasal passages, making it harder for babies to breathe and sleep comfortably. Excess humidity creates an environment where mold, bacteria, and dust mites can thrive, increasing the risk of allergies, asthma, and other infections. 

Proper humidity can also help prevent sore throats, reduce congestion, and keep the immune system functioning well. Balanced humidity supports better sleep by promoting comfortable air quality, which is crucial for babies’ growth and development. It also helps protect wooden cribs, furniture, and other nursery items from cracking or warping due to moisture imbalances. 

How Can You Tell If Your Home’s Humidity Levels Are Off? 

If your humidity levels seem off, there are multiple ways you can tell. Condensation on windows, mold growth, and a musty odor are huge signs that your humidity levels are high. While cracked wood, peeling paint, and increased static electricity are indicators of low humidity. 

If you have high humidity, the air in your home can feel hot, sticky air and have difficulty cooling down while low humidity can cause dry air making for skin irritation, sore throat, or feeling cold. 

How to Achieve the Ideal Home Humidity Level 

Achieving the ideal humidity level (30%-50%) ensures a comfortable, healthy environment and protects your home from damage. Here’s how to do it effectively: 

Monitor Regularly: Use a hygrometer to track humidity levels. This device helps you know when adjustments are necessary. In the same way, smart thermostats and HVAC systems often come with built-in sensors to provide real-time data. 

Use Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers: In dry seasons, a humidifier adds moisture to the air, reducing issues like dry skin and irritated airways. In humid conditions, a dehumidifier helps prevent mold, mildew, and discomfort by removing excess moisture. 

Optimize HVAC Settings: Set your HVAC system to regulate humidity. Many systems can automatically maintain the ideal range through humidity control settings. It’s also a good idea to replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and moisture removal. 

Seal and Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation reduces moisture fluctuations by keeping external humidity out. Fix leaks and seal windows to prevent condensation and water intrusion. 

How to Decrease the Humidity in Your Home  

Managing indoor humidity is essential for comfort, health, and home preservation. Here are practical strategies to decrease humidity and prevent related issues: 

Fix Water Leaks to Prevent Seepage

Stop water from entering your home and increasing your humidity levels by addressing leaks and moisture intrusion points. 

Adjust landscaping to slope away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling near your home and install gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater away from the house. Be sure to repair any leaks around plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and tubs, to prevent damp areas where mold can grow. Lastly, regularly inspect your home for signs of water damage or seepage. 

Control Crawlspace Moisture

Crawlspaces are one of the biggest culprits of moisture conducting spaces in your home. To stop this moisture, build up, lay plastic sheeting over the ground in crawlspaces to block rising dampness. Also, ensure proper ventilation in crawlspaces to reduce condensation and improve airflow. 

Use Exhaust Fans

Prevent moisture buildup by installing exhaust fans in areas prone to humidity. Run exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to vent moist air outside. Most importantly, ensure your clothes dryer is properly vented to the outdoors to avoid excess moisture indoors. 

Turn Off Appliances That Add Moisture

Limit the use of appliances that increase humidity when condensation is noticeable. For example, turn off humidifiers or kerosene heaters if you see moisture forming on windows or surfaces. 

Insulate Cold Surfaces

Prevent condensation by warming cold surfaces like windows and walls. Install insulation or storm windows to reduce temperature differences that cause moisture buildup. Keeping cold surfaces warm helps avoid water damage and mold growth. 

Improve Airflow

Increase air circulation to prevent moisture buildup in stagnant areas. Keep doors between rooms open to allow warm air to circulate and use fans to enhance airflow, especially in corners and near walls. Lastly, move furniture away from exterior walls to promote better air and heat movement. 

Protect Flooring and Carpets

Prevent damp conditions on concrete floors by using moisture barriers. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting on concrete floors, as it can absorb moisture and promote mold. Use washable area rugs instead and, if needed, install a vapor barrier and sub-flooring to block ground moisture. 

Adapt to Regional Climate Conditions

Humidity control strategies should be tailored to your climate. In dry regions, devices like evaporative coolers can increase moisture and require regular checks. In humid regions, air conditioners may need longer cycles to effectively remove excess moisture. 

Different climates require different construction and insulation techniques to manage humidity effectively.

Impact of Humidity on Heating and Cooling Costs 

Humidity levels directly affect how efficiently your heating and cooling systems operate, which can lead to higher energy bills if not managed properly. 

When the air is humid, your air conditioner has to cool and dehumidify the air simultaneously. Removing moisture takes extra energy, causing the system to run longer and work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

High humidity makes it feel hotter than the actual temperature, often leading homeowners to lower the thermostat. This increases energy consumption and cooling costs. Extended operation of air conditioning units can lead to wear and tear, higher maintenance costs, and shorter lifespan of the system. 

In cold weather, low humidity levels make the air feel colder than it is. This happens because dry air speeds up the evaporation of moisture from your skin, which makes you feel cooler. Homeowners may raise the thermostat to compensate for the discomfort caused by dry air, which in turn raises heating costs. 

Balance your humidity and keep your energy costs manageable by keeping humidity within the 30% to 50% range reduces strain on both heating and cooling systems, helping maintain efficiency. It also helps to install a programmable thermostat with humidity controls that can optimize both temperature and moisture balance, reducing overall energy consumption. 

Tips for Improving Energy Efficiency Through Humidity Control 

Maintaining optimal humidity levels not only enhances comfort but also helps reduce energy costs by improving the performance of heating and cooling systems. Here are practical tips: 

1. Take Advantage of Insulation: Proper insulation reduces temperature fluctuations and prevents external humidity from affecting your home. Insulation helps maintain consistent indoor humidity by minimizing moisture intrusion, thereby reducing the need for frequent HVAC adjustments.
2. Invest in Dehumidifiers: Use dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas like basements to control moisture levels and prevent air conditioners from overworking. A portable dehumidifier can target problem spots, while a whole-home dehumidifier integrates with your HVAC system for balanced moisture removal.
3. Invest in Humidifiers: In winter, a humidifier can prevent overly dry air that makes heating less effective. Maintaining moderate humidity levels allows you to set the thermostat lower without compromising comfort.
4. Use a Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats with humidity sensors optimize both temperature and moisture levels. They can automatically adjust HVAC settings based on current humidity, saving energy while maintaining ideal conditions.
5. Consider Whole-Home Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers: Whole-home systems integrate with HVAC units to consistently manage indoor humidity levels throughout the entire house. These systems reduce the need for constant manual adjustments and maintain optimal air quality across all rooms.
6. Look into a Digital Hygrometer: These devices are affordable, portable devices that provide accurate humidity readings for specific rooms that can help you monitor your humidity levels.
7. Consider Apps and Systems for Humidity Tracking: Smart home apps connected to your thermostat or sensors provide alerts when humidity levels exceed desired thresholds. Many apps also offer energy usage insights, helping you fine-tune both temperature and humidity for better efficiency.

Common Questions About Humidity for Your Home 

Is 70% humidity too high? 

Yes, 70% humidity is considered high. At this level, the air feels sticky and uncomfortable, making it harder for your body to cool down through sweating. High humidity can promote the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, increasing the risk of allergies and respiratory issues. 

Is 25% humidity too low? 

Yes, 25% humidity is too low. Air this dry can cause health issues, such as dry skin, irritated eyes, sore throats, and respiratory discomfort. 

Does opening windows reduce humidity? 

It depends on the outdoor conditions. If the outdoor air is cool and dry, opening windows can help reduce indoor humidity by allowing moist air to escape. However, if it’s warm and humid outside, opening windows can increase indoor humidity levels. 

Do Fans Reduce Humidity? 

Fans do not directly reduce humidity but can help improve air circulation and make the air feel more comfortable. Fans help evaporate moisture on your skin, allowing your body to cool down more effectively, reducing the perception of high humidity. They also prevent moisture from settling on surfaces, reducing the risk of condensation and mold. 

Maintaining the right humidity levels is crucial for ensuring a comfortable, healthy, and well-preserved home. It requires regular monitoring to catch imbalances early and prevent costly repairs or health risks. Balanced humidity enhances air quality, improves the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, and protects your home from moisture-related issues. By managing humidity effectively, you not only enhance comfort and health but also lower your energy expenses. 

At Santanna Energy Services, we have energy solutions designed to give you stability and peace of mind, even as seasonal changes impact your home’s humidity levels. Learn more about our energy plans here.