How To Increase Humidity In Your Home

Indoor humidity, often overlooked but vitally important, plays a significant role in the comfort and health of our homes. Maintaining the right level of humidity can make all the difference in creating a cozy, inviting space and promoting overall well-being.

However, the impact of indoor humidity extends far beyond mere comfort; it affects everything from our physical health to the condition of our home furnishings. Low humidity levels, particularly during the dry seasons, can lead to a host of problems, including dry skin, respiratory issues, and even damage to wood furniture and flooring. On the other hand, excessive humidity can encourage mold growth and make your living space feel clammy and uncomfortable.

To strike the perfect balance, it’s important to understand what indoor humidity is, why it matters, and how to increase or decrease it as needed. In this article, we will walk you through the ins and outs of indoor humidity, providing practical tips and methods to help you achieve the ideal humidity levels in your home.

Understanding Indoor Humidity

Indoor humidity refers to the amount of moisture or water vapor present in the air within your home. It’s a crucial aspect of your indoor environment that significantly influences your comfort, health, and the well-being of your living space. This invisible factor can have a noticeable impact on your day-to-day life, affecting everything from your skin and respiratory health to the condition of your furniture and electronic devices.

The Ideal Humidity Levels

We have indicated that too much or too little humidity is harmful. But how much is right?

To create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, it’s essential to understand what the ideal humidity levels are. Typically, experts recommend maintaining indoor relative humidity levels between 30% and 60%. These ranges offer a good balance between comfort and preventing issues associated with excessively dry or humid air.

• Below 30%: When indoor humidity falls below 30%, the air becomes too dry. Low humidity symptoms dry and cracked skin, itchy eyes, sore throats, irritated nasal passages, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections and allergic reactions. Additionally, low humidity can cause wooden furniture to crack and warp, paint to peel, and static electricity to become more prevalent.
• Above 60%: On the other hand, when indoor humidity exceeds 60%, it results in damp conditions where the air can feel muggy and uncomfortable. High humidity promotes mold and mildew growth, which can lead to health problems and damage to your home. You may notice condensation on windows and walls. Wallpaper may peel and wood swells. It can also make you feel hotter, even at a lower temperature, due to reduced evaporative cooling.

When it falls out of this range, it is not good for us or our home.

Tools for Measuring Humidity

To effectively manage indoor humidity levels, you’ll need the right tools for measuring them. Here are some common instruments used to gauge indoor humidity:

1. Hygrometer: A hygrometer is a small, inexpensive device that provides real-time humidity readings. Digital hygrometers are widely available and can be placed in various rooms throughout your home to monitor humidity levels accurately. Some modern thermostats also include built-in hygrometers. Read more about the different types of hygrometers here.
2. Weather Stations: Some advanced weather stations provide indoor humidity readings in addition to outdoor weather information. These devices often come with multiple sensors for different areas of your home, giving you a comprehensive view of your indoor environment.
3. Smart Home Devices: In the age of smart homes, you can find smart hygrometers that connect to your Wi-Fi network and provide humidity data to your smartphone or other devices. These can be convenient for remote monitoring and adjusting humidity levels when necessary.

Common Causes of Low Humidity

Low indoor humidity can be a persistent issue in many homes, leading to discomfort and potential health concerns. Understanding the common causes of low humidity is crucial for effectively addressing this problem and creating a more pleasant living environment.

Seasonal Factors

• Winter Dryness: One of the most prevalent times for low indoor humidity is during the winter months. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and when you heat your home, the relative humidity can drop significantly. This is why winter often brings dry indoor air, leading to issues like dry skin, static electricity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Heating and Cooling Systems

• Central Heating and Cooling: Modern heating and cooling systems, especially forced-air systems, can exacerbate low humidity issues. As these systems circulate air through your home, they can strip moisture from the air, making it drier. This effect is more pronounced in climates with cold winters.
• Space Heaters: Using space heaters in the winter can also contribute to low humidity in specific areas of your home. These devices often produce dry heat, further reducing moisture levels in the surrounding air.

Ventilation and Airflow

• Poor Ventilation: Insufficient ventilation can trap moisture inside your home, causing humidity levels to drop. This is common in tightly sealed and well-insulated homes, as they can become overly dry during the winter months.
• Airflow Patterns: How air flows through your home can affect humidity levels. Areas with poor airflow, such as basements or closets, are more prone to low humidity because stagnant air doesn’t distribute moisture evenly.
• Use of Exhaust Fans: Frequent use of exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can remove humid air from your home. While this is essential for controlling moisture in specific areas, it can contribute to low overall humidity levels if not balanced properly.

9 Tips On How To Increase Humidity

Maintaining proper indoor humidity levels is essential for your comfort and well-being, especially when dealing with dry air caused by factors like heating systems and seasonal changes. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to increase the humidity in your home. Here are a few ways to consider:

Natural Methods

Add a few Houseplants to Your Home

Houseplants add a little something to your home. Not only do they add a pleasing visual to the look of a home, but indoor plants also purify the air and release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, releasing vapor from their leaves and stems into the air.

Additionally, the soil in the pots that the plants are in holds water that evaporates over time adding moisture to a room. Choose plants that have large leaves as they will help to raise humidity.

By strategically placing a few houseplants around your living space, you can naturally increase humidity levels. Some plants known for their humidity-boosting qualities include spider plants, peace lilies, and Boston ferns.

Leave Open Containers of Water Around the House

One of the oldest tricks in the book involves containers of various sizes filled with water sitting on heating vents, radiators, and in sunny windows. As the water heats, it evaporates, releasing moisture into the air.

You can do this throughout your home or restrict it to just a single room. Either way, you can use your heating system or Mother Nature to help create humidity inside your living space. Top up the water when needed to maintain humidity levels.

You can enhance this method by adding decorative bowls or containers to complement your interior decor.

Hang Laundry On Drying Racks

Instead of either filling your dryer with clothes fresh out of the washing machine or hanging them to dry outdoors, choose to dry clothes on racks indoors. All the moisture in the freshly washed clothing will evaporate into the air which will increase humidity levels in your home.

There is also a bonus to drying clothes this way – it cuts down on your energy use by reducing the number of times you use your electric dryer, which also reduces your utility bill.

Eliminate Air Leaks

Probably one of the most efficient ways to keep the humidity levels normal within your home is to remove any possible way the air can escape from your home. This is of particular importance in cooler climates.

You can do this by sealing around windows and doors with weatherstripping. Weatherstripping is an affordable way to keep the inside of your home comfortable when it is cold and dry outside.

Mechanical Methods

Install a Whole-Home Humidifier

This is the easiest way to increase humidity. Humidifiers are available in many different sizes; however, to control the moisture content in your home, the best option is to have a professional install what is known as a whole-home or furnace humidifier.

It is designed to create the correct humidity conditions within your entire home and is usually integrated into your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. A whole-home humidifier is an efficient solution to low humidity.

They require professional installation and periodic maintenance but offer the most convenient and effective solution.

Use a Room Humidifier

Smaller humidifiers come in various types and sizes, making it easy to choose one that suits your needs. Here’s what you need to know about using room humidifiers effectively:

• Types of Humidifiers:
  • Ultrasonic Humidifiers: These use ultrasonic vibrations to create a fine mist, which is released into the air. They are quiet and energy-efficient.
  • Evaporative Humidifiers: These work by blowing air through a moist wick or filter, which adds moisture to the passing air. They are cost-effective but can be noisier.
  • Steam Humidifiers: These humidifiers boil water to create steam, which is released into the air. They are effective at quickly raising humidity levels but can consume more energy.
• Proper Placement and Maintenance: To maximize the benefits of a humidifier, place it in the room where you spend the most time. Regularly clean and maintain your humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and use.

Adjusting Daily Habits

In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can incorporate daily habits to help increase humidity:

Take a Hot Shower

The steam created from a hot shower can do a lot more than just fog up windows and mirrors. That is because steam contains water vapor. The same thing happens when you have a hot bath.

Instead of turning on the bathroom exhaust fan to remove the steam, open the bathroom door. This will push the steam into your home which will raise humidity levels elsewhere in your home. Running the hot shower with the door open will also help to increase humidity in your home.

Leave Bathwater Alone For A While

Speaking of steam from a hot bath, remember that as long as that water stays warm, it is adding moisture to the air. This means that once you hop out of the tub, resist pulling the plug. If you leave the entire tub of warm water to cool, it will release a great deal of moisture into the air. All you need to do is open the bathroom door and let the warm water do its work. Once the tub of water has cooled, then you can drain it as it will have worked to create humidity.

Use The Stovetop More Often

Boiling water and cooking on the stovetop generates a lot of steam. As you know, steam adds moisture to the air and is how to raise humidity in the kitchen. By relying on the stovetop more than the microwave oven, you can produce more steam which equates to more humidity.

You can also do this when you are not cooking just by placing pots and pans of water on the stovetop to boil. Watch that they don’t boil dry, but this will add humidity to your home.

Effects of High Humidity and How to Address Them

While increasing indoor humidity is essential to combat dry air and its associated problems, it’s equally important to be aware of the potential issues that can arise from excessively high humidity levels. High humidity can lead to various discomforts and even damage to your home. Here we look at the effects of high humidity and strategies to address them effectively.

Mold and Mildew Prevention

One of the most significant concerns with high humidity in your home is the increased risk of mold and mildew growth. These microorganisms thrive in moist environments, and when humidity levels exceed 60%, your home becomes a breeding ground for these unwelcome guests. Mold and mildew not only damage your property but can also pose health risks, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Mold & mildew prevention strategies include:

1. Ventilation: Proper ventilation is key to reducing indoor humidity. Ensure that your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are working efficiently, and use them while cooking or bathing to remove excess moisture.
2. Use Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers are devices specifically designed to lower humidity levels. In areas prone to high humidity, such as basements or bathrooms, a dehumidifier can be highly effective.
3. Monitor Indoor Humidity: Regularly check indoor humidity levels using a hygrometer. This will help you identify and address spikes in humidity before they become a problem.
4. Seal Leaks and Gaps: Make sure your home is properly sealed to prevent outdoor humidity from infiltrating. Inspect windows, doors, and walls for any leaks or gaps and repair them as needed.
5. Limit Water Sources: Be mindful of water sources indoors. Fix any leaks promptly, and avoid overwatering houseplants or leaving wet laundry out for extended periods.

When faced with persistently high humidity levels, a dehumidifier can be your best ally. These units work by drawing in air, removing excess moisture, and then circulating the drier air back into the room. Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Choose the Right Size: Select a dehumidifier that’s appropriately sized for the area you want to dehumidify. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for guidance.
2. Proper Placement: Position the dehumidifier in a central location within the affected area. Make sure there are no obstructions around the unit to allow for efficient air circulation.
3. Regular Maintenance: Clean and maintain your dehumidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Empty the water reservoir as needed and clean or replace filters to ensure optimal performance.
4. Monitor Humidity Levels: Keep an eye on the humidity levels using a hygrometer. Adjust the dehumidifier’s settings to maintain your desired humidity level.

Further Reading and Other Resources

If you’re keen to dive deeper into the world of indoor humidity, there are many books, articles, and online resources available to expand your knowledge. Here are some valuable resources to consider:

1. Books:

• The Indoor Environment Handbook: How to Make Buildings Healthy and Comfortable by Philomena M. Bluyssen
• The Homeowner’s Guide to Mold by Michael Pugliese

2. Websites and Online Guides:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA provides extensive information on indoor air quality, including humidity control and mold prevention.
• American Lung Association: Their website offers resources and tips for maintaining healthy indoor air quality, including humidity management.
• Home Improvement and HVAC Websites: Websites like This Old House and HVAC forums like HVAC-Talk often have discussions and articles about indoor humidity control.

3. Humidity Control Manufacturers:

• Aprilaire, Honeywell, Dyson, and Other Brands: Explore the websites of humidity control product manufacturers for product information, educational materials, and tips on maintaining indoor humidity.

4. Home Improvement Books:

• General home improvement books, such as those from publishers like Taunton Press, often contain sections on indoor comfort and humidity control. Check your local library or bookstore for a selection of relevant titles.

5. Local Experts:

• Consult with local HVAC professionals, contractors, or home inspectors for region-specific advice and recommendations regarding indoor humidity control.

In Conclusion

Maintaining the right indoor humidity levels is important for a number of reasons. It can significantly impact our physical well-being, as it helps prevent dry skin, allergies, and respiratory issues. At the same time, it safeguards our homes from structural damage caused by excessively dry or humid conditions. Understanding indoor humidity empowers you to create a living environment that promotes health, comfort, and longevity.

Your home is your sanctuary, and the indoor environment you create has a direct impact on your well-being. By understanding, monitoring, and controlling indoor humidity, you can transform your living space into a more comfortable, healthy, and enjoyable place to be.

Remember that achieving the right balance of indoor humidity is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and adjustments are essential to ensure your home remains a harmonious environment where you can thrive. Whether you’re combating the dry air of winter, the humidity of summer, or striving for year-round comfort, the knowledge and techniques presented in this guide can help you create the ideal indoor atmosphere.