Key Takeaways
- Proper indoor humidity (30%–50%) prevents moldprotects home materialsand supports respiratory health.
- Adjust humidity to seasonal needs (30%–40% in winterup to 50% in summer) and by room (bathrooms can be 40%–60%).
- Use tools such as hygrometersexhaust fansdehumidifiersor humidifiers to maintain balance and avoid costly issues later.
When it comes to home comforttemperature tends to steal the spotlight in many homeowners’ minds. But maintaining a consistentcomfortable temperature isn’t the only factor affecting comforthealthand home maintenance — your home’s indoor humidity level is just as important.
Whole-house humidity should fall between 30% and 50%according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This does vary by roomas you might see slight spikes in humidity when showering or cooking. Howeverfor the most partyour home should stay below 65% relative humidity (RH) to prevent microbial growthaccording to the American Society of HeatingRefrigeratingand Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
If your indoor air is too humidyou could end up with molddust mite infestationsand swelling or warping of wood and furniture. If your air is too dryyou can experience static electricitydry skincracked lipsnose and throat irritationand even damage to wood and flooring.
Our indoor humidity charts below outline the variations in suggested indoor humidity ranges by season and by room. We’ve also included tips and tricks from an HVAC expert to help you achieve the right balance in your home.
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Ideal Indoor Humidity Levels
The EPA recommends a standard indoor relative humidity level of 30%–50%.
Tyler LantripHVAC manager at The Meridian Company in East LansingMichiganprovided more granular recommendations for indoor humidity levels by season:
| Season | Recommended Indoor Humidity Range |
|---|---|
| Spring | 35%–45% |
| Summer | 40%–50% |
| Winter | 30%–40% |
| Fall | 35%–45% |
When the outdoor air is colder in fall and winterlowering your humidity helps prevent condensation and mold growth on windows. Allowing humidity to rise slightly through the spring and summer makes your home more comfortable and prevents static electricity.
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Lantrip also provided the following indoor humidity ranges for various rooms of the house:
| Room | Recommended Indoor Humidity Range |
|---|---|
| Living room | 30%–50% |
| Bedroom | 30%–50% |
| Basement | 30%–50% (avoid exceeding 50% to reduce mold risk) |
| Bathroom | 40%–60% (brief spikes are finebut should return to 50% or lower) |
Keep in mind that bathrooms naturally experience humidity spikes during showersbut it’s important to lower the humidity afterward. Use exhaust fans or open windows (if the humidity outside is lower than inside) to help maintain balance.
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How To Measure Indoor Humidity
Accurately measuring your home humidity level is the first step in determining what you need to do to find a balance in your indoor air quality.
Most smart thermostats and HVAC systems now have built-in hygrometers. If yours does notyou can get a $10–$20 hygrometerwhich is widely available online.
I use this hygrometer because it’s inexpensiveaccurateand easy to read. If your home is largeryou may also want to purchase a multipack and place them throughout your home. It’s important to situate hygrometers away from vents and windows for the most accurate readings.
What To Do If Your Humidity Is Too High
Lantrip said if your humidity is too highyou should consider taking certain actions. He recommends:
- Running your air conditioneras it removes moisture from the air
- Using exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen as needed
- Fixing plumbing or foundation leaksas they could add additional moisture to the air
- Storing firewood outside because it releases moisture into the air as it dries out
- Using moisture-absorbing products such as silica gels or DampRid
- Opening windows if the outdoor air is less humid
- Shortening your showers and running the bathroom fan for 20–30 minutes afterward to remove all excess moisture
- Keeping lids on pots when cooking to reduce steam in the air
- Investing in a dehumidifier if none of the above solves your issue
What To Do If Your Humidity Is Too Low
Lantrip shared a few HVAC industry tricks for when your home’s humidity is too low. To raise a home’s humidity:
- Add houseplantsas they release moisture naturally.
- Place water bowls near heat sources like radiators if your home uses that source.
- Air-dry your laundry indoors to add moisture back into the air.
- Boil water on the stovetop to help release moisture into the air.
- Invest in a humidifier (either whole-house or portable) if none of the tips above solve the problem.
Why Proper Humidity Matters
Proper humidity can help protect your health and home. Consider the following when evaluating your home’s humidity level:
- Health: Proper humidity levels help prevent respiratory issuesdry skinand allergy flare-ups.
- Comfort: Balanced humidity helps avoid static electricity and maintain consistent temperatures.
- Home protection: Ideal humidity prevents wood floor and furniture damageand inhibits mold and mildew growth.
- Energy efficiency: Proper humidity affects how warm or cool you feel at a given temperaturemeaning your home might feel warmer at a lower temperature setting.
“For most homesaiming for 35% to 50% is the sweet spot,” Lantrip said. “It’s comfortable for peopleinhospitable to allergensand safe for your home’s structure and finishes.”
Prolonged exposure to high humidity can worsen respiratory conditionspromote mold-related illnessesand increase airborne bacteriaLantrip added. This is especially concerning for infantsthe elderlyand those with allergies or asthma.
Next Steps
Maintaining an optimal humidity level protects your home and health. It’s a key part of home maintenance — though it’s easy to doit should not be overlooked. Balancing your home’s indoor relative humidity level increases your home’s comfort and offers peace of mind.
You can take actions as simple as buying a hygrometer or as complex as upgrading your HVAC system. Quality systems often feature humidity control and may be the solution if you’re constantly fighting an imbalance.
If you have tried all the DIY fixes and nothing has worked for youit’s best to consult a top HVAC professional to get your home evaluated.
“Proper indoor humidity is one of those invisible factors that quietly affects everythingfrom your healthto how much you pay to heat or cool your home. Small adjustments can make a big impact,” Lantrip said.
FAQs About Indoor Humidity Levels
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Watch for signs such as condensation on windowsmusty smellsor visible moldwhich usually point to high humidity. If your skin feels dryyour nose and throat are irritatedor you’re getting more static shocksthe humidity may be too low.
A digital hygrometer is a cheap and reliable way to monitor indoor humidity so you can adjust it before these problems get worse.
Is an indoor humidity level of 60% too high?
Spikes to a humidity level of 60% due to cooking or bathing are fineso long as you monitor and lower the humidity afterward. Humidity levels above 65% can spur mold growth.
Can high humidity make you sick?
High humidity can increase mucus production and congestionmaking it harder to breathe. It can also promote the growth of mold and bacteriawhich can cause respiratory infections and trigger allergies or asthma.
How do I lower humidity without a dehumidifier?
To lower humidity levels without a dehumidifieryou can take the following actions:
- Run your air conditioner
- Use exhaust fans
- Open windows if the outdoor air is less humid
- Store firewood outside
- Eliminate or reduce houseplants
- Avoid air-drying clothing or boiling water excessively
- Use moisture-reducing products such as silica gels or DampRid