What is a healthy humidity level in the home?

Maintaining a healthy humidity level in the home is crucial for optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and overall wellbeing. Here, we explore the significance of humidity, define ideal levels within the home and the benefits of maintaining this, and offer recommendations for monitoring and managing it. 

Understanding humidity

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air, which plays a significant role in determining indoor health, comfort, and energy efficiency. High humidity levels can make a home feel stuffy and uncomfortable, while low humidity can lead to dryness and respiratory discomfort. Moreover, excessive humidity can cause mould growth and damage to building materials, whereas very low humidity can lead to cracking in wood furnishings and structural elements. Achieving a healthy humidity level in the home is therefore essential for occupant health, comfort and the longevity of your property.

What is healthy humidity in home environments?

According to the Institute of Air Quality Management, a healthy humidity level in the home ranges between 40% and 60%. During the winter months, maintaining humidity at the lower end of this range can help prevent condensation (which can lead to mould growth) on windows and other cold surfaces. In the summer, keeping humidity levels below 60% can prevent a muggy atmosphere and inhibit the growth of dust mites and mould. For reference, the average humidity in the Sahara Desert is 25%, while the average in the Amazon rainforest is 85%.

The benefits of maintaining optimal humidity

• Health: The right humidity levels can reduce respiratory issues, skin irritation, and allergic reactions – creating a healthy home environment. Mould and dust mites, which thrive in high humidity, are common triggers for allergies and asthma.
• Comfort: Balanced humidity levels ensure a comfortable living environment. High humidity can make the air feel warmer than it is, while low humidity can cause dry skin and irritation.
• Energy efficiency: Maintaining ideal humidity levels can enhance the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. When humidity is too high or too low, HVAC systems need to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing utility bills.
• Preservation: Correct humidity levels prevent damage to furniture, wooden floors, and structural components of the home. This can save homeowners from costly repairs and replacements.

Monitoring and controlling humidity

To maintain a healthy humidity level in the home, it's essential to monitor and control indoor moisture. Here are some tips and tools to help you achieve this balance:

• Hygrometers: These devices measure the humidity level in the air. Place them in different rooms to monitor and ensure consistency.
• Dehumidifiers: Ideal for reducing high humidity levels, especially in basements and bathrooms where moisture tends to accumulate.
• Humidifiers: Useful during winter when indoor air can become excessively dry due to heating systems.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for managing humidity. Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms help expel moist air, while whole-house ventilation systems ensure a continuous exchange of indoor and outdoor air.

One of the most efficient ways to maintain a healthy humidity level in the home is through a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system. MVHR systems provide continuous ventilation, extracting stale, moist air from wet rooms (like bathrooms and kitchens) and supplying fresh, filtered air to living spaces. Many MVHR systems will monitor internal humidity levels, and increase the ventilation rates when they detect a man-made spike in humidity. Here’s why MVHR is a gamechanger:

• Enhanced air quality: MVHR systems filter incoming air, removing pollutants, allergens, and dust, ensuring a cleaner indoor environment.
• Energy efficiency: These systems recover heat from the outgoing air and use it to warm the incoming air, reducing the need for additional heating and lowering energy bills.
• Humidity control: By constantly exchanging air, MVHR systems help maintain consistent humidity levels, preventing issues related to both high and low humidity.

Maintaining optimal humidity levels is vital for fostering comfort, energy efficiency, and healthy homes overall. By understanding ideal humidity levels, recognising the benefits of proper humidity control, and using effective monitoring and ventilation tools, homeowners can create a more pleasant and sustainable living environment.

Discover how MVHR can enhance your indoor air quality and energy efficiency, or get in touch to discuss your needs with a member of our team.