When thinking about home comfort, many of us focus on things like heating, furnishings, or decoration, but there’s one key factor that often goes unnoticed – room humidity. It’s a simple yet essential element in keeping your home comfortable and healthy. But what exactly is room humidity, why should we care, and what is the right level of humidity for each season? Let’s take a closer look.
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What is room humidity?
Room humidity is the amount of moisture present in the air inside your home. It’s measured as a percentage, with 100% meaning the air is fully saturated with moisture, and 0% being completely dry. Ideally, you want your indoor humidity to sit between 40% and 60%. Too little moisture can leave the air feeling dry and uncomfortable, while too much can lead to unpleasant conditions like dampness and mould.
Humidity levels can be affected by the time of year, the weather, and even things like cooking or showering. During colder months, humidity tends to drop inside, while the warmer weather often brings more moisture into the air. Finding the right balance is essential for keeping things comfortable and avoiding long-term damage to your home.
Why does humidity matter?
Humidity affects far more than just how the air feels. Here’s why it’s so important:
Comfort: The right humidity helps your home feel pleasant year-round. When the air is too dry, it can lead to discomfort like dry skin, static electricity, or a general sense of discomfort. On the other hand, excessive humidity can make the air feel heavy and stuffy, particularly in warm weather, which can leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable.
Health: Low humidity can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. High humidity, however, can create the perfect environment for mould, mildew, and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Keeping humidity in check promotes better indoor air quality and helps maintain the health of everyone in your home.
Home Preservation: Humidity levels have a direct impact on the longevity of your home and belongings. If the air is too dry, it can cause wooden furniture, floors, and other materials to crack or warp. Excess moisture, on the other hand, can make wood swell, leading to peeling or discolouration. A consistent humidity level helps preserve the structural integrity of your home and the condition of your possessions.
Protecting Belongings: Things like books, electronics, and artwork can suffer in poorly regulated humidity. Too much moisture can lead to paper warping or electronic components shorting out. Maintaining the right humidity helps protect your most valued possessions.
Related: Types of damp and how to fix them
What should the room humidity be?
The ideal humidity level for your home should be between 40% and 60%. This range ensures comfort, protects your health, and safeguards your home. However, different seasons call for slight adjustments to keep things just right.
Ideal indoor humidity levels for every season
Winter: What should the humidity in the house be?
During winter, as the heating comes on to keep things warm, humidity levels inside tend to plummet. The dry air can leave your skin feeling tight, your lips chapped and even cause static electricity. The ideal humidity level during the colder months is around 30% to 40%. Keeping your home at this level of moisture helps combat the dryness in the air, keeping you comfortable in your home.
To maintain proper humidity in winter, you might consider using a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air. Alternatively, you can leave a few houseplants around, as they naturally release moisture, helping keep things balanced.
Related: How to care for your houseplants – and the best ones for each room
Spring and Summer: What is the perfect humidity in a house?
When the warmer months roll around, humidity levels naturally rise, particularly in areas with high summer heat. During this time, the ideal humidity level should range between 40% and 60%. High humidity can make the air feel even hotter and can cause discomfort in your home. If the moisture levels are too high, it’s also more likely for mould and mildew to start growing.
To manage humidity in these months, air conditioning can be a big help. It not only cools the air but also reduces moisture. Dehumidifiers are also an excellent option to tackle the moisture when you need to bring the levels down.
Autumn: What should indoor humidity be?
As the weather cools in autumn, humidity levels typically fall too. You’ll want to keep your indoor humidity at around 40% to 50% during this time. It’s a good idea to check your humidifiers and dehumidifiers in autumn, as the drop in temperatures can impact how effectively they work. This is the perfect time to maintain the systems you’ve got in place to keep your air comfortable for the months ahead.
Related: How to to get rid of condensation
How to maintain the right indoor humidity levels
- Use a humidifier or dehumidifier: A humidifier is perfect for winter, while a dehumidifier is ideal for the warmer months or areas with higher humidity. Both will help you maintain that perfect balance.
- Invest in a hygrometer: A hygrometer is an inexpensive device that measures the humidity level in your home. With it, you can keep an eye on your levels and make adjustments as needed.
- Ventilate your home: Open windows or doors to let fresh air in. Simple actions like cooking or drying clothes indoors can raise humidity, so proper ventilation can help keep it under control.
- Bring in plants: Certain plants naturally release moisture into the air. Try placing a few in key rooms to help boost indoor humidity during dry spells.
- Seal leaks: In the colder months, drafts around doors and windows can let the warm, dry air in. Sealing these areas will help you maintain the right temperature and humidity in your home.
Keeping your home comfortable
Maintaining the right humidity doesn’t just improve comfort, it’s an easy way to safeguard your home and health. Keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60% can prevent damage to your property, reduce allergens, and enhance overall well-being. Whether it’s a humidifier in winter or a dehumidifier in summer, a small change can have a big impact.
Thinking of making a move? At Parkers, we offer expert guidance, whether you’re selling or simply improving your home. Get in touch with your nearest Parkers branch for personalised advice and support.
