Humidity Levels in the Home

On an average, the humidity levels in the house should range between 30-50 percent, but the experts are of the opinion that the same should be close to 45 percent. Though the range mentioned above is not so unhealthy, somewhere near 45 percent is assumed to be much better. You can buy a hygrometer - a device used for relative humidity calculation in the surroundings, to monitor the humidity levels at home. While there are other methods of determining the levels of humidity (such as repeated fogging of windows and appearance of mold on the walls), the use of hygrometer is a much more convenient and reliable method of monitoring humidity levels.

Why Should You Monitor the Humidity Levels in Your Home?
It is necessary to maintain proper levels of humidity indoors because extreme fluctuations in the same can result in adverse effects on your health, as well as your home. Low humidity can result in a range of health problems, such as dry nose and dry throat, and make you susceptible to various respiratory problems and cold. Dry skin, caused due to the lack of moisture in the air, will be more susceptible to cracks, and other discomforts associated with it.

Low humidity will also damage your wooden furniture and other wooden items in your household, not to forget the wooden flooring. You will also witness an abnormal rise in the static electricity, which will make you vulnerable to electric shocks. On the other hand, humidity in excess will also damage your house, especially the ceilings and walls. Black mold and rot will become more common, and the affected portions of the house will serve as a breeding ground for various insects. That being said, it is necessary to ensure that the optimum level of humidity prevails in the house.

High Humidity Levels
If the humidity exceeds the optimum humidity level, you will have to resort to some simple measures to lower it. These measures will include some simple steps ranging from stopping the use of humidifier, using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, installation of air intake duct, etc. Similarly, covering the pans while cooking, having bath in cold water, reducing the duration of showers when bathing in warm water and other such simple tips are also effective in reducing the levels of humidity in the house. Plants have the tendency of releasing water vapor, and therefore, it is ideal to avoid keeping any plants within the house. Buying a dehumidifier is yet another option you can resort to in order to get rid of excess humidity in the house.

Low Humidity Levels
When humidity is too low, the simplest measure the get it back to the required level is to use a humidifier. There are various types of humidifiers available in the market, which range from the simple evaporating type, with a manual water feeding and limited humidification capacity, to a power type, with an attached heating system and maximum humidification capacity. Proper maintenance is yet another aspect of these humidifiers which needs to be taken onto consideration, when using them. Inhaling stale air released from the humidifiers can also result is some health issues. When buying a humidifier, you need to make sure that you buy one with operating range that would be sufficient for your house. Even though you can have a homemade humidifier of your own, buying a ready-made appliance would be better.

The issues related to excess or lack of humidity in your home may sound simple, but they can have some serious implications on your health in the long term. That being said, it is better off to be well versed with the simple measures to monitor humidity, and keep it under control.