What should winter indoor humidity level be?

The EPA recommends indoor humidity levels stay between 30%–50%. If you want to remain comfortable through the winter months, proper home humidity control is crucial.

What is the best humidity level for a home in winter?

In the winter months, the humidity level should be a little less to avoid condensation—around 30-40%. Since cold air doesn't hold as much moisture as warm air, it's important to find ways to improve the comfort level inside.

Is 60% humidity too high for a house in winter?

Research has shown that the recommended indoor humidity level is between 40 and 60 percent. The downside, however, is that keeping the home at 60-percent humidity in the winter leads to ice formation on the windows. It's simply too much on those colder days.

Is 35% humidity too low in winter?

On the low end, you probably don't want to go lower than 30-35% relative humidity (RH). That's a little dry but not too bad. Again, the colder the climate, the lower you'll probably want that number. In a moderate climate, you might want to aim for a low end of 40%.

Is 45 humidity good in winter?

60% is too high. 30% is too low. Anything between 30% and 60% is OK. That precise sweet spot for what should humidity be in your house in the winter is between 35% and 45%.

The best way to manage indoor humidity in the cold winter months

Is 50% humidity too high in winter?

Every home is different, but a level between 30 and 40 per cent humidity is typically ideal for keeping your home warm and comfortable in the winter, without leaving condensation on the windows. In the summer, that level can be higher, between 50 and 60 per cent.

Is 50% humidity good for winter?

So, what is the ideal indoor humidity level in winter? According to the EPA, indoor relative humidity should be kept below 60% and ideally between 30% and 50%, this is also the ideal humidity level for a baby's room. This humidity range will ensure your home is not too dry and not too humid during winter.

Is 40% humidity too low in a house?

Although it is often overlooked, proper indoor humidity is crucial to your health. Too much or too littl humidity can result in serious health consequences. The ideal indoor humidity range is between 40% and 60%.

What is dangerously dry indoor humidity?

Anything under 30% is too dry, and over 50% is too high.

Is 30% humidity good indoors?

The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is somewhere between 30-50% humidity, according to the Mayo Clinic. This means that the air holds between 30-50% of the maximum amount of moisture it can contain.

Is 57% humidity too high in a house?

But what is high humidity? According to Energy Star, the ideal indoor relative humidity should be between 30 and 50 percent–anything higher than 50 percent is considered high. High humidity levels and excessive moisture can cause discomfort and health issues, and it can even wreak havoc on a home.

How do I get rid of humidity in my house in the winter?

Is 55% humidity too high in house?

If the levels are off, whether too high or too low, you face structural damage to your home as well as potential health issues. Comfortable levels of humidity range between 30% and 60%, however, the ideal humidity level, according to ASHRAE, is between 45% and 55%. Anything above 55% is considered to be high.

Is 60% humidity OK in the bedroom?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best indoor relative humidity falls between 30% and 50%, and it should never exceed 60%. Other studies suggest 40% to 60% is a better range.

What humidity does mold grow?

Water Vapor

If there are no cold-condensing surfaces and the relative humidity (RH) is maintained below 60 percent indoors, there will not be enough water in those materials for mold to grow. However, if the RH stays above 70 percent indoors for extended periods of time, mold will almost certainly grow.

Is 65 too humid in house?

A good range of indoor humidity for comfort and health is between 30-60% during cooler months of the year. Mould is likely to occur if the relative humidity indoors is 70% or more for long periods of time. Keeping humidity levels under 50% also helps to minimise or control dust mites.

Does a bowl of water help humidify a room?

Without having to spend a dime, you can increase your home's humidity by placing a metal or ceramic bowl of water on top of your floor registers or radiant heating unit. The water will evaporate into humid air. On a sunny day, place a bowl or vase filled with water on your windowsills.

How do you tell if it's too dry in your house?

How do you tell if it's dry in your house?

But a five-minute trick can tell you if you need to add humidity to the air, or not. Just put a glass of ice-water on a table and walk away. If, after five minutes, there is no moisture on your hand if you rub the outside of the glass, you need to add moisture to the air.

Can dry air make you sick?

Breathing dry air can irritate respiratory ailments, and in some cases lead to asthma, bronchitis, the common cold, the flu and even nosebleeds. Because the majority of our breathing is done through our nose, cold, dry air can cause the inside of our nose to become dry and irritated.

Can low humidity make you sick?

Low humidity can cause dry skin, irritate your nasal passages and throat, and make your eyes itchy. High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and can cause condensation on walls, floors and other surfaces. Condensation can trigger the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds.

Does low humidity indoors make it feel colder?

Discomfort: High humidity restricts your body's ability to release heat through sweat, making temperatures feel hotter. The reverse occurs during low humidity: heat escapes from your body quicker, making you feel colder.

Does opening windows increase humidity in winter?

When the weather outside is cold, the air is usually dry. Opening the window during dry, cold weather will reduce humidity levels inside the home or office and would be counter-productive. Keep the windows closed during cold weather and use a humidifier to keep humidity levels optimal.

Will mold grow at 55 humidity?

Remember, mold grows best at a relative humidity of 55% so keeping the humidity well below that percentage is your safest bet.

Is 58% humidity good in a house?

Most expert sources agree that anything between 30-60% humidity is acceptable for a home environment. Anything lower will create problems, just as anything higher will create problems.