Humidifiers

What should be my house’s humidity?

Being concerned about having adequate heating and cooling for the home is a common thing that most homeowners do. Have you ever wondered what exactly the humidity level in your property should be, especially when summer or winter is coming around the corner? If you are curious to know the right home humidity level, then you have come to the right page.
Maintaining the right level of humidity within the property ensures that you and your family live a more comfortable life. On top of that, it will help regulate the temperature and protect your space.

In most studies, researchers suggest that the right humidity level for a house in winter should be 30% to 40% in order to stay cozy. And 50% to 60% humidity level is ideal for a home during summer.

What do you mean by humidity?

Before figuring out the right humidity level for your property, you need to understand what exactly humidity is. In general, the amount of water in the atmosphere is called humidity. Technically, it is quite trickier than that definition. To know humidity in a better way, you should know the major difference between absolute and relative humidity.
Absolute humidity versus Relative humidity

Absolute Humidity: An estimate of the actual amount of moisture or water vapor in the atmosphere regardless of air temperature

Relative Humidity: An estimate of the amount of vapor in a water-air mixture as compared to the maximum amount possible.

What’s the suitable humidity level for the air in your property?

When it comes to comfort levels, the humidity should be appropriate. However, changes in climate and weather have a huge impact on the humidity level in your home. Beyond that, it will depend on where you live, the type of clothing you’re wearing, and, most importantly, the temperature outside.

Many scientific researchers suggest that the suitable humidity for indoor environments should be between 40%- 60%. But the level should be below 50% to prevent and discourage mold growth. Make sure this humidity level suits your comfort levels. Also, the home’s humidity levels should be even with the outside humidity level.

According to Health Canada guidelines, a relative humidity level of less than 50% in the summer and 30% during the winter represents a suitable location for maintaining good indoor humidity.
Remember, the higher the humidity level in the atmosphere, the stickier and hotter you feel. With the drastic increase in humidity, one may experience certain health problems, including allergies, and asthma, leading to difficulty breathing.

If the air is dry, your skin may turn dry, which means the level of humidity is quite low. Also, you may experience other issues, such as itchy eyes or irritated throat.

What’s the ideal indoor humidity level?

You can often see that the absolute humidity level changes due to changes in outdoor temperature and the transition of seasons. During summers, the air comprises more moisture, while less moisture stays in the environment during winter. If you want to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, look at the information below, which helps you know the optimum indoor humidity level by outdoor temperature.

• If the outdoor temperature is above 50 degrees F, the optimal indoor humidity level should be a maximum of 45%.
• The optimum indoor humidity level should not exceed 35% if the outdoor temperature is between 10°F – 20°F.
• If the outside temperature is more than 20 degrees F, the optimum indoor humidity level should not go beyond 40%.
• If the outdoor temperature is between 0°F-10°F, the optimum indoor humidity level should not go beyond 30%.
• In case the outdoor temperature is -10 degrees F to 0 degrees F, the humidity level should not exceed 25%.
• If the outside temperature is between -20 degrees F to 10 degrees F, make sure the indoor humidity level does not above 20%.
• With an outdoor temperature of -20°F or lower, the indoor humidity level should be below approximately 20%.

Problems caused by suboptimal humidity levels

Of course, you’ll want to adjust indoor humidity levels as the climate changes or as the year goes on. But, do you ever think about what issues occur when the level of humidity is not appropriate? Let’s discuss what trouble you may face with low humidity and high humidity level:

Issues associated with low humidity levels in a home

The dry environment inside can cause issues related to health and comfort. In the absence of moisture or if the moisture level is too low, you may face various issues, including:

• Allergy and asthma indications may get worsen. Plus, you can be exposed to flu and cold bacteria that can spread more quickly.
• You may experience dryness on the skin, chapped lips, and dry air passages.
• Damage and cracks to trim, flooring, and framing around doors and windows.
• Furniture, building materials, and wood become moisture-deprived when dry air is present.
• Increased energy bills because dry air draws moisture from your skin, turning up the heat you use to stay warm.
• Issues associated with high humidity levels in the home

Guessing the high humidity level inside the atmosphere is comparatively more accessible than a low level of humidity. The indoor air is likely to be more dense and heavy if it is present. Also, you may feel uncomfortable sleeping or see mildew or dampness around you, which may build up due to high humidity. With high humidity, you may experience the following issues:

• Due to mold growth induced by high humidity, the house walls may get damaged, and other problems may occur, like subflooring, etc.
• The spread and development of mold, bacteria, mildew, and viruses. They can reduce indoor air quality, leading to illness or severe health conditions.
• Frequent or worsening symptoms in allergy and asthma patients.
• Visible pressure on walls and windows can cause a damp feeling throughout the property. This can make you feel uncomfortable and hot.
• Increased electric bills because you lower the temperature on the thermostat to relieve humidity.

Best possible ways to achieve suitable home humidity levels in summer and winter

whether your property has very low or very high humidity, be sure that your family members and your health will not be affected. Also, ensure a balance between high and low humidity to stay comfortable and breathe fully. It will be equally essential for the life shelf of your house and its structure.

How to get the right level of humidity in summer?

During the summertime, the atmosphere will naturally be humid. This means that you do not need to have a humidifier. Put them aside for those dry winter periods.

For a comfortable summer, you should do the following things:

• You will need to use air conditioning to keep moisture away from indoors.
• Stop using humidifiers in unbearable sunny months.
• Try to use exhaust fans as much as you can.
• Increase the use of dehumidifiers.

Advantages of dehumidifier

During summer, the level of relative humidity of more than 50% allows dust mites and mold to develop on ceilings, floors, and walls. If you find the humidity level consistently above 50%, it’s time to get a dehumidifier. Investing in it offers better energy usage and air regulation.

Here are some notable benefits of dehumidifiers:

• Reduce pest infestation
• Prevent allergies
• Allows efficient energy usage
• Ensures better regulation of moisture levels
• Delivers cooler air

How to get the right level of humidity in winter months?

Having a humidifier can be really helpful for the winter months as the humidity levels are lower as compared to summer. With enough humidity throughout the house, you can feel comfortable and warm.

These devices are integrated into your cooling and heating unit. You can automatically adjust their performance depending on the humidity at ideal levels in your location.

Humidifiers you can opt for your property

As discussed above, a humidifier adds moisture to the indoor environment to prevent dryness. Depending on your budget, preference, size of your property, and cost, you can choose a certain kind of humidifier that best suits your needs.

• Cool Mist Humidifiers

Three types of cool mist humidifiers are out there: ultrasonic, evaporative, and impeller.
When buying a cool mist humidifier, you are advised to choose between a warm mist and a cook mist humidifier. Cool mist models are quite popular these days, and cool mist benefits tend to include those of the warm mist variety.

• Warm Mist Humidifiers
• Whole Home Humidifiers

Advantages of humidifiers

In the chilly winter months, your humidifier restores the appropriate humidity level inside. If your thermostat consistently catches indoor relative humidity levels below 30%, choose a humidifier to maintain those levels at 30%-35%. Because unrestrained and excessive use can lead to over-humidification, be sure you are familiar with the manufacturers’ guidelines.

Below listed are some notable benefits of humidifiers:

• Eliminate throat, scalp problems, and dry skin.
• It helps control your property’s relative humidity level.
• Prevents asthma and allergies related health issues.
• Protects your photos, wall paintings, and even your stamp collection from flaking, discoloration, brittleness, etc.

Final Words:

Making a balance between high humidity and low humidity level can be daunting. Consult with a heating and cooling professional from Smile HVAC to ensure that your units keep the climate in your home manageable and comfortable.

FAQ

Is 65 humidity too high in a house?

A humidity level of 65% is considered moderately high for a house. It may not pose immediate health risks, but it can create a damp environment that promotes mold and mildew growth. It's generally recommended to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 60%.

What is a good humidity level for your home?

A good humidity level for your home is typically between 30% and 60%. This range is considered comfortable for most people and helps prevent issues such as mold growth, dust mites, and respiratory problems. Humidity levels can vary based on personal preferences and the climate of your location.

Is 60 humidity too high in a house?

A humidity level of 60% is considered moderately high in a house. It may not be immediately problematic, but it can contribute to a damp environment, which promotes the growth of mold and mildew. It's generally recommended to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 60% for optimal comfort and health.

What is the ideal humidity in a house in Canada?

The ideal humidity in a house in Canada is typically around 30% to 50% during the winter months and 30% to 60% during the summer months. These ranges help maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, preventing issues like dry skin, respiratory problems, and mold growth.

At what humidity does mold grow?

Mold tends to thrive in environments with high humidity levels. Generally, mold can start growing when the humidity exceeds 60%. However, some types of mold can develop in lower humidity conditions as well. To prevent mold growth, it's best to keep the humidity in your home below 60%.

Is 70 percent humidity high?

Yes, a humidity level of 70% is considered high. High humidity can create a damp and uncomfortable environment. It also increases the risk of mold growth, dust mites, and other moisture-related issues. It's generally recommended to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 60% for optimal comfort and health.

What should the humidity be in a house in Canada winter?

During the winter months in Canada, it's recommended to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. This range helps prevent dryness and discomfort caused by low humidity, such as dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory issues. It's important to balance humidity levels to avoid excess moisture that can lead to mold growth.

Is 50% humidity too high in a house?

A humidity level of 50% is generally considered acceptable and within the recommended range for a house. It provides a comfortable environment for most people and helps prevent issues like dryness or excess moisture-related problems. However, specific comfort levels can vary based on personal preferences and climate conditions.

What is the best humidity level for sleeping?

The best humidity level for sleeping is typically between 30% and 50%. This range helps maintain a comfortable environment that promotes restful sleep. Higher humidity levels can make the air feel heavy and may lead to discomfort or difficulty breathing, while lower levels can cause dryness and irritation. Adjust the humidity based on personal comfort to ensure a good night's sleep.