What is the ideal humidity level for homes? How can you make sure that the current relative humidity in your space will not affect your health and the structure of your property?
Humidity, or the presence of moisture in the air, occurs naturally. But at the same time, this doesn’t mean that it is alright that you will be exposed to extremely low or high humidity levels. Again, it can cause unwarranted effects on your well-being and the structural integrity of your house or building.
It’s essential that we can determine the correct humidity in our spaces. In this way, we will be able to use tools like dehumidifiers and humidifiers appropriately.
What Is The Average Humidity Levels In America Per Season?
The humidity levels in the United States do vary by state. I do suggest that you check your local weather stations for this particular information. After all, humidity changes every day.
In Summer
When the season is hot, the United States’ average humidity is roughly 80% in the morning. This one is recorded between 4 AM to 6 AM, local standard time. Meanwhile, the average afternoon humidity is 48%. Afternoon humidity is typically recorded between 3 PM to 5 PM, local standard time, where the temperature is high, and the relative humidity is at the lowest point.
In Winter
During winter, where the temperatures are at the lowest point, the average humidity in the United States is 76.7% in the morning. When the evening comes, the average humidity drops to 58.6%. Based on the explanation above, these figures were recorded from 4 AM to 6 AM (for the morning humidity) and 3 PM to 5 PM (for the afternoon humidity).
In Spring
Spring is one of the finest seasons in the United States, which starts March 1 and ends on May 31, based on the meteorological calendar. In this particular season, the average morning humidity is 76.3%, while the average afternoon humidity is 48.4%.
In Fall
In the United States, fall starts around September 23 and will end on December 21. The average humidity during this season is 80.8% in the morning and 52.8% in the afternoon.
Annually
Based on estimates, the average annual humidity in the United States is 78.7% in the morning and 52.3% in the afternoon.
Let me emphasize that these figures are just the average. I do recommend that you check the local weather and meteorological stations to see the average humidity on a daily basis.
Alternatively, you can use a hygrometer so that you can measure the humidity in your area by yourself. For me, this is the most efficient way of determining relative humidity. After all, your only concern is mostly your own abode.
What Is The Ideal Humidity Level For Homes?
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. The moisture is indicated by ‘relative humidity’, which is the percentage of water vapor in saturated air at a particular temperature, relative to a maximum amount when all the air is fully saturated at that temperature.
The recommended humidity for homes should be between 45% to 60%.
Now, based on the average humidity levels in the United States, you can say that the morning relative humidity for most states is higher than the recommended level. It is at this time where you need a dehumidifier running.
But of course, if the relative humidity is low, you need to keep a humidifier to raise it to the appropriate levels.
A hygrometer can help you determine if your indoor relative humidity is at safe levels. However, there are humidifiers and dehumidifiers that are equipped with this function.
In Basements
Depending on where you live, the ideal humidity of basements can differ, and the humidity levels can also vary throughout the year. For example, in warmer areas, basements tend to be humid during the summer. A dehumidifier is extremely handy in these conditions. In colder regions, basements tend to be humid during the winter; hence, installing a humidifier is beneficial.
When the humidity in your home is too high, mold can begin to grow. Furthermore, it can cause some of its parts to warp and deteriorate. Keep in mind that water can weaken the structure and composition of various materials, especially wood. Once this happens, expensive repairs can take place.
Keep in mind that your basement may be a part of the supporting pillars of your home, as it is located on the bottom part. If it gets damaged, there’s a good chance that several parts of your home will get affected, too. Hence, this area has to be correctly humid. Furthermore, if there’s high traffic in your basement, you wouldn’t want it to be riddled with molds and bacteria that are birthed from abnormal humidity levels.
You have to put a humidifier and dehumidifier in your basement to combat the changes in the humidity levels.
In Bedrooms
For most people, the ideal humidity of bedrooms is between 40% and 60%. However, if you suffer from asthma or allergies, you can benefit from a lower level of humidity. This is because mold, bacteria, viruses, and dust mites thrive in a highly humid environment. Lowering your humidity level will also help you save on your energy bill, as a high humidity level will cause your cooling system to run more often.
In Garages
According to a study, the ideal humidity of garages is 40%. To keep any of your garage items lasting as long as they can, it is essential to have the right humidity. Having too much or too little moisture can cause wood to warp and rust metal tools. If the humidity is too low, the air may be too dry to prevent mold or mildew from spreading. If it is too high, then it can still result from similar structural damages.
In Bathrooms
As with most of the air in our homes, the humidity in our bathrooms is constantly changing, often because of the activities that take place there. For instance, when you shower, hot water evaporates into the air, causing humidity levels to rise. Meanwhile, typical household activities like taking a bath or doing laundry can cause humidity levels to fall below the ideal range. Heat is one of the biggest contributors to rising humidity levels, so if your bathroom doesn’t have a vent, you might want to consider installing one to help prevent mold growth.
But similar to the ideal humidity levels in your living spaces, your bedroom should still maintain a relative humidity of 45% to 60%.
The Importance Of Correct Relative Humidity In Your Home?
Humidity is a measure of how much water vapor is in the air. The greater the humidity level, the more water vapor is in the air. High humidity makes it hard for the air to shed heat. On the other hand, low humidity makes it harder for the body to maintain its normal temperature (hotter), as the air cannot hold as much moisture as it can at high humidity levels.
But first, let me discuss what relative humidity is. In this way, you will be able to understand when the appropriate situation where you can say that the humidity is either high or low.
What Is Relative Humidity
In the simplest terms, relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor that air can hold at a specific temperature. This critical measurement allows us to gauge the likelihood of precipitation: When relative humidity is high, the air is already saturated with water, so there is little chance of rain; when it is low, the air is “dry,” and we are more likely to see rain.
The relative humidity is directly influenced by temperature. Hence, if the temperature is consistent, it is likely that the relative humidity is consistent, too.
Keep in mind that if the temperature is high, the air becomes dry (low humidity). When the temperature is low, the air becomes wet (high humidity). When it comes to pressure, the relationship is directly proportional. Low pressure means low relative humidity. High pressure indicates high relative humidity.
Too High Humidity
High humidity can be a big factor in making you feel uncomfortable. High humidity leads to an increased risk of allergies and asthma attacks, which can make your day miserable. It can make it difficult to sleep at night due to excessive sweating, and it can also make daily tasks more difficult.
High humidity can cause condensation and dampness in your home or office, leading to mold and mildew growth. It can also make it more difficult to cook because moisture and steam collect on the inside of your oven.
Too Low Humidity
When the humidity is too low, your home loses a lot of its comfort, as the air feels drier, and your skin and nasal passages get dry and irritated. Low humidity isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s unhealthy. Breathing dry air causes your body to work harder to moisturize the air, and it can lead to asthma attacks.
Low humidity leads to static electricity that makes your hair stand on end and your clothes stick to you. It causes wood floors, windows, and walls to feel rough and uncomfortable to touch. Furthermore, low levels of humidity can also damage your home and belongings by warping and cracking wood and other not-so-durable structures.
Check out this chart for the ideal relative humidity in your home:
Courtesy: Aprilaire.com
How To Control Humidity In Home?
At this point, it is essential that you know the methods that let you control the humidity in your home. Specifically, you should be able to lower or increase the humidity, depending on the needs.
HVAC Systems
One of the practical methods in addressing humidity problems in your area is by having an HVAC system. For instance, controlling the humidity in a room can be done through the use of an air conditioner. This unit removes water vapor from the room in the process of cooling the room, so even if you don’t hear it running, it’s still working to remove humidity.
However, there are several issues that you need to be aware of when it comes to HVAC systems are their capability to deal with moisture. For instance, if your AC is too big for your space, it will not be able to control both temperature and humidity. This is because these air conditioners’ compressor switches on and off frequently, preventing them from running for extensive periods.
Another problem is that these air conditioners can only run at a single speed. In short, it can just be on or off. Because of this limitation, it will never have enough force to remove excess humidity in your space.
To deal with the changing humidity levels in your home, I suggest that you get a humidifier and dehumidifier. Both of these devices are designed to tackle specific problems in humidity.
For Increasing Humidity: Humidifiers
Humidifiers are considered a must-have appliance for most homes and offices. Specifically, a humidifier is a device used to increase the air’s humidity or moisture in your home, especially during the cold winter months when the air from your furnace can be extremely dry.
Most people use humidifiers in their homes to prevent and alleviate symptoms of dry skin, chapped lips, and other common wintertime ailments. Humidifiers can also help prevent dry, itchy eyes, nosebleeds, and other wintertime ailments.
But how do humidifiers work? The operation of a humidifier is simple and straightforward. When the device is turned on, it uses a fan, pump, filter, and water basin to move water through the device and into your home’s air. Sometimes, humidifiers are treated with fragrant oils to add an alluring and relaxing smell to the air.
For Lowering Humidity: Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are great for removing moisture from the air in areas where dampness can be harmful to your health. It can be used in a crawl space to prevent or cure mold or mildew growth, in a basement, or any part of a home where the air is too wet.
In contrast to a humidifier, a dehumidifier works by drawing in air through a filter. As air passes over the filter, water particles stick to the filter. The moisture then collects in a reservoir where it can be removed.
It is highly recommended that your dehumidifier should have a big tank to hold as much water as it can. In this way, you don’t need to drain it frequently. Alternatively, you can also look for dehumidifiers that have an automatic draining system. By inserting a hose on its drain plug, the water it collected will be ejected automatically. It prevents the dehumidifier’s tank from becoming full.
How To Know If There Are Moisture Problems In Your Home?
If you are experiencing problems with mold, wood rot, or just an unpleasant musty odor, chances are your home may be too humid. The first step to taking care of the problem is knowing whether or not you have a humidity problem in your home.
Here are some of the signs that your home is experiencing humidity problems.
Smelly Odor
You know that there’s a humidity problem in the house if it emits a pungent and musty smell. It is an indicator that the humidity is too high, causing the air to get wet. Of course, the odor is generated by mold and bacterial growth. If you let the odor stay there, you will be exposed to a myriad of respiratory hazards.
You should check if there are water or plumbing damages on your property. These problems might be hidden, such as in the crawl space or the insulation embedded behind your walls. If you can, hire a professional contractor to diagnose the root cause of the smelly odor.
Dark Spots And Patches
One of the evident signs of moisture problems in a house or building is the presence of dark patches in the ceilings and walls. This is a common symptom seen on old structures and properties that haven’t been taken care of for a long time.
These dark patches can also be seen after storms and heavy rains. This is an indicator that there’s room damage. It is also possible that leaking pipes in your plumbing system cause the problem.
Pests
When there is water, there is life. This concept does not only apply to humans and animals. Even for pests like rodents, cockroaches, and termites, water is an important amenity.
The increasing number of pests in your home could mean that your area is rich in water. If you feel that the air is musty and damp while being pestered by these creatures, there’s a good chance that you have a moisture problem!
Warped Wood And Furniture
In the case of wood, high humidity can lead to mildew, mold, and rot, especially if you don’t have proper ventilation. When wood is exposed to high humidity, it absorbs more moisture and expands, and when the wood dries out, the wood returns to its normal size.
The same thing happens to your guitar when you leave it in a room with high humidity. The wood, and therefore the neck, warps to accommodate the moisture, and then when the humidity stabilizes, the wood returns to its original size. But of course, you wouldn’t want this to happen, right?
Moisture can be the bane of wood furniture. Regular exposure to humidity can cause wood to crack, warp, and split. When water gets trapped within a wood product, the wood itself swells, and this swelling can cause the wood to break apart as it dries.
Months and months of exposure to moisture can cause mold and mildew to infect the wood, which can shorten the life of the wood tremendously and lead to staining. Moisture is also one of the leading causes of furniture squeaks and groans, as well as doors that stick and don’t latch. The amount of time that a piece of wood furniture is exposed to moisture ultimately determines how susceptible the wood is to warping, splitting, and cracking.
Use A Hygrometer To Determine Level Of Your Home
If you are uncertain if you have humidity problems, use a hygrometer. Basically, this device reads the relative humidity in an entire space. If the reading goes higher or lower than 40% to 60%, then there’s a need for you to address the matter right away!
Conclusion
Learning the ideal humidity level of homes is essential to ensure that you avoid any moisture-related problems. Again, let me emphasize that abnormal levels of moisture can actually affect your health and impact your space’s structural integrity.
With the right knowledge and tools, you will be able to deal with various humidity problems that you can encounter!
I hope that you find this guide useful. If you have other related inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below!