Optimal House Humidity Levels: Comprehensive Guide to Adjusting for Every Season, Space, and Indoor Plants
In the quest for a comfortable and healthy living space, the importance of indoor humidity cannot be overstated. Here's a guide to help you navigate this often overlooked aspect of home maintenance.
Low indoor humidity, particularly in winter, can lead to dry skin, sinus issues, and in some cases, medical implications. It also creates an environment that favours the spreading of viruses. On the other hand, high humidity can foster mold growth, dust mites, bacteria, and potential damage to furniture, floors, or drywall.
The optimal indoor humidity level is generally around 40-60% relative humidity throughout the year. In summer, 45% to 55% humidity is ideal to reduce the risk of mold and mildew. However, in winter, it's recommended to keep the humidity between 30% to 40% to prevent condensation and dry air, while in other seasons, the natural humidity tends to be higher and healthier.
Following these guidelines for indoor humidity will prevent a home that smells musty. Maintaining indoor humidity between 40% and 60% is beneficial for most houseplants, with tropical plants preferring higher humidity and indoor succulents or desert plants preferring lower humidity.
Ken Nelson, an indoor air expert at Panasonic North America, recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50% as it is a scientifically endorsed sweet spot by the EPA and leading IAQ experts. David Lewis, the owner of Mission AC & Plumbing, echoes this sentiment, finding that indoor humidity levels should fall within the same range.
By keeping indoor humidity within the right range, not only do viruses struggle to survive, but mold spores stay dormant, and your skin retains enough moisture to stay comfortable. Moreover, it helps the HVAC system work efficiently and keeps the air healthier.
If your humidity regularly creeps above that, you might start noticing issues like musty smells, mold, or condensation on windows, which could require learning how to reduce moisture in your apartment. A small humidifier placed near indoor plants or grouping them together in a more humid area of the home, such as a bathroom, is a better option than raising the humidity throughout the entire house.
In spring, it's suggested to maintain 40% to 50% humidity levels as temperatures rise. In fall, 40% to 50% humidity is best as heating begins. And in winter, she recommends keeping the humidity between 30% to 40% to prevent condensation and dry air.
There are ways to reduce humidity without a dehumidifier, but investing in a moisture absorber can make a difference. Chrystal Joliffe, an indoor air quality product manager and HVAC expert at Carrier, recommends adjusting the humidity as the seasons change to balance comfort, energy efficiency, and interior air quality.
For instance, Carrier recommends keeping the humidity levels in the bedroom below 60% and ideally around 45% to 50% for comfortable sleep, as 70% humidity is too high and could lead to mold, mildew, disrupted sleep, and potential damage to furniture and electronics.
A guide to the best houseplants for reduced condensation is available to promote a healthy indoor atmosphere. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a comfortable, healthy, and efficient home all year round.
