Where Should You Keep Your Home’s Humidity?

Controlling your home’s internal temperature is easy, controlling the humidity is harder. A home with the wrong humidity levels will see rapid mold growth, musty linens, and rusting metals. In the short term, residents will experience higher allergy levels, breathing problems, and a general feeling of stickiness. It’s no surprise that so many homeowners try to reduce the indoor humidity to create a more comfortable environment.

While it might be tempting to set your humidity level and then leave it, you actually have to adjust your settings based on the indoor temperature. As a rule of thumb, for every 10 degree drop in temperature, your humidity levels should also drop by five degrees.

To make sure you’re staying within the proper humidity levels for your home, consider investing in a hygrometer — a device that measures humidity levels. If your home’s humidity levels are regularly above 50%, you may also want a dehumidifier to artificially remove moisture from the air. Keep in mind the humidity of your home depends on your location. Many cities within the United States feel a dry heat, while others experience humid (and almost tropical) conditions in the warmer months.

At first it might feel like you’re playing the role of a mad scientist searching for the right balance between warmth and moisture, but once you hit the right levels for your home, you should feel more comfortable and breathe easier. In the inforgraphic published by Ross and Witmer, you can learn more about controlling your humidity levels and how to maintain a healthy and comfortable home.

where should you keep your home's humidity?