FINDING BALANCE:
WHAT LEVEL OF HUMIDITY SHOULD
YOU MAINTAIN IN YOUR HOME?

We hear people complaining about the humidity all the time, but what is humidity really? Why should you care? Well, starting off simple, humidity is referring to how much water vapor is in the air. Higher levels of humidity mean a higher concentration of water vapor and vice versa. But how does the amount of water vapor in the air impact us?

Impact of High Humidity Levels
As we mentioned above, higher levels of humidity mean higher concentrations of water vapor. This means the air will feel wetter. High humidity often makes the temperature feel warmer and causes you to feel sweaty and somewhat sticky. High levels of humidity can also result in an increase in your body’s production of mucus, which leads to sneezing, runny noses, and an overall congested feeling.

Impact of Low Humidity Levels
On the other hand, having humidity levels that are too low can also have consequences. If humidity is low, that means the air around you is significantly dry. This causes dehydration which then leads to dry skin, bloody noses, irritated eyes, respiratory problems, and more. Low levels of humidity are especially irritating to those with eczema or problems with allergies. 

Optimal Level of Humidity for Indoors
You may not have too much control over outside humidity levels, but you can control the level of humidity inside your own home. Having poor indoor humidity levels can make it much harder to sleep at night and lead to overall discomfort in your home. To avoid humidity levels that are too low or high, experts have come up with an optimal range and found that it’s best to keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%.

How to Test Humidity Levels at Home

One way to test your indoor humidity levels is with a hygrometer. However, if you don’t feel like buying a hygrometer, there’s a simple trick you can do at home. The best part about this trick is it’ll only take you five minutes!
To figure out your home’s relative indoor humidity levels, you can use the ice cube method.  Place three or four ice cubes in a glass of water then stir. Place your glass in a room other than your kitchen or bathroom (these rooms will have fluctuating humidity which can mess with your results). Leave the glass in that room for about 4 minutes. For the best results, try to stay out of the room where your glass is while you wait. After 4 minutes, check on the glass. If there is no condensation (water droplets forming on the outer part of the glass), then your room/home is relatively dry. If there is condensation forming on the outside of the glass, then your humidity levels are relatively high.

How to Adjust Your Indoor Humidity Levels

After figuring out whether your home is too humid or dry, the next step is getting your humidity levels back to the optimal range. 

You could always try a store-bought humidifier or dehumidifier to combat poor humidity levels, however, this solution will only help on a very minor level and can only reach one room at a time. If you feel your humidity levels are having a larger impact on your day-to-day comfort and wellbeing, the best solution for you and your home may be a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier. These are great investments and provide a solution that reaches your entire home. 

Don’t sacrifice your daily comfort any longer. To find out if you could benefit from a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier, call Favret today!