How to Improve Humidity in Home

I know that it can be quite painful when your house feels dry. But this is not just an inconvenience as it also has certain health implications as well as implications on your house. In this article, we will try and find effective methods that you and I can adapt to increase the levels of humidity present in our houses in order to make it easier to live in our homes. 

Key Takeaways

Ideal levels of humidity improve wellbeing as well as comfort. Humidifiers and plants are significant and effective methods of increasing the humidity of the indoors. Humidity is maintained through the use of a hygrometer or any measure of a relevant instrument. Food items which have a high humidity content can create excessive amounts of humidity and thereby should be avoided. Regular use and care of your equipment helps to increase the chances of hands getting slippery. 

Understanding Humidity

What Is Humidity?

Humidity can be defined as the amount of water vapour which is present in the air. This is one essential component that determines our level of comfort and also our health. When the air does not have enough moisture, various forms of discomfort are bound to occur as well as some of the interiors of the house may get hurt and trampled. There is a common saying: no smoke without fire, the same applies to humidity – to control it effectively, one must first understand what it is. 

Why Is Indoor Humidity Important?

 As a homeowner, making sure humidity is sustained correctly is fundamental to help combat dry skin, irritated nasal passages, and of course help avoid the cracking of wooden furniture and flooring.  Maintaining good humidity levels also goes a long way in limiting the chances of respiratory illness and enabling an overall improved quality of life. 

Ideal Humidity Levels

What Are the Optimal Levels?

 The best humidity level for the majority of households found in the UK is around 30% - 50%. This doesn’t mean more moisture should be added to the air as mould can grow or too much dryness can lead to wood being damaged. This has been designed to be an effective balancing act. 

Seasonal Variations

 Humidity levels are not constant and they tend to differ with different seasons. Such variations are useful because you can use them to prepare accordingly when the need arises. For example: 

• Winter: Most heating systems dry the air considerably and total humidity goes down.
• Summer: Air conditioning is able to get rid of moist air and this too lowers humidity levels.

 This means that strategies to keep the humidity level constant throughout the year may be situational depending on the prevailing season. Ideal Humidity Levels by Season 

Assessing Your Home's Humidity

Signs of Low Humidity

 In this 21st century, it has become very common to have low humidity at homes because of the overuse of air conditioning systems. A few noteworthy signs of the same can be noticed: 

• Static Electricity: You might get electric shocks when you touch any object which is quite unusual.
• Dry Nasal Passages: There could be an aching sensation in your nose or in some cases, bleeding from the nostrils.
• Cracking Furniture: Wooden products may develop cracks or begin to twist.

 Such signs affect comfort levels but the worst part is that they probably indicate something that must be fixed. 

Using a Hygrometer

 Hygrometers are useful devices that go a long way in measuring humidity. Putting one in your house allows you the comfort of tracking humidity without even lifting a finger but most importantly, knowing the best time to act when things are out of hand. 

Methods to Increase Humidity

Using Humidifiers

 One such elegant solution to indoor dry atmosphere is as well, humidifiers. Humidifiers are available in different types, including the following, and each has specific advantages: 

• Evaporative Humidifiers: A type of internal fan draws air through a wet wick material which is then dispersed into the room.
• Ultrasonic Humidifiers: Using sound waves, cool mist is emitted from these devices.
• Steam Vaporizers: These units have a heating element that converts water into steam and releases that steam into the room.
• Impeller Humidifiers: These incorporate a revolving disc which splashes water against a diffuser.

 When selecting a humidifier, it is necessary to take into account parameters such as the size of the room, how much maintenance is required, and how much noise it creates. For example, an ultrasonic humidifier is usually a good option for a bedroom as it is likely to be less noisy. 

Incorporating Houseplants

 In the event that the temperature surrounding you is very dry, the use of houseplants can be a tremendous aid in the effort to raise the humidity of your home. Through transpiration, plants release moisture into the air which can effectively raise humidity levels. Some of the best plants for this purpose include: 

• Boston Fern
• Spider Plant
• Areca Palm
• Peace Lily

 By adding these plants, your home will not only look prettier but also be healthier as these will increase the humidity of the home naturally. 

Boiling Water and Cooking

 Similarly, steam is produced and released each time water is brought to a boil or every time there is a pot cooking on a stove. Ways as simple as covering pots less and cooking more often can gradually add moisture to the air inside your house.  This alternative method is simple and reasonable, as anyone who cooks regularly will see this is integrated daily. 

Placing Water Basins Near Heat Sources

 Water can be evaporated easily by placing bowls or basins close to radiators or close to heating vents. When water basins are positioned as such, the water warms up and thereby raises the humidity content in the area without having to use any other products. 

Drying Laundry Indoors

 When there is a need to increase the moisture content in the air and there is no other source, indoor drying of clothes on a drying rack works too. This is also energy efficient and helps to keep the humidity in check. While such clothes are being washed and subsequently dried, their water contents vaporise, and the amount of water vapour in the air increases which mostly goes unnoticed. 

Tips for Maintaining Optimal Humidity

Monitoring with Hygrometers

 One such tool in the house is a hygrometer which can measure relative humidity and adjust parameters from time to time. Digital hygrometers are handy, and their readings are clear and accurate, allowing for easy practice when gauging indoor humidity levels regularly. 

Regular Maintenance of Humidifiers

 A preventive maintenance procedure is key in guaranteeing the effectiveness and safety of your humidifiers. It involves regular and thorough cleaning to prevent fungal and bacterial growth as well as changing the filters at intervals recommended by the manufacturers.  Good maintenance practices also avoid excessive wear and tear of the parts of the humidifier, which in turn minimises air pollution in the house. 

Balancing Humidity Levels Throughout the Year

 Just as the temperature increases throughout the year varies, the challenges of humidity parameters do not remain constant. If heating appliances are in use during the winter, the air can become excessively dry and humidifiers may be required.  However, during summer, such a climate can also exist, therefore, moisture does not need to be added to the house very much. Continuously adjusting your strategies according to the seasons allows you to keep a pleasant indoor space throughout the year. Comparison of Humidifier Types 

Frequently Asked Questions

 Q1.Why is the humidity level in my home important? 

Maintaining proper humidity levels (between 30% and 50%) in your home is crucial for comfort and health. Adequate humidity helps prevent dry skin, irritated nasal passages, and respiratory issues. It also protects wooden furniture and floors from cracking or warping due to dryness. 

Q2.What are the signs that my home has low humidity? 

Common signs of low humidity include dry skin and lips, static electricity, cracking or warping wood, and wilting houseplants. You might also experience dry eyes, sore throat, or increased susceptibility to colds and flu. 

Q3.How can I increase humidity in my home without a humidifier? You can naturally increase humidity by incorporating houseplants that release moisture into the air, boiling water or cooking on the stovetop to release steam, placing bowls of water near heat sources, and air-drying laundry indoors. 

My Opinion

There are quite a few devices available today to enhance indoor humidity but it need not be that complex. Humidifiers, some houseplants, and changes to how one goes about their everyday tasks can all improve your comfort and health.  The only caveat is that you should regularly check the moisture level and the condition of the equipment in order to optimize the atmosphere of your house. In particular, maintaining the right amount of humidity in the air, bringing about simple changes can go a long way in enhancing the living conditions of a family or an individual.

Hammer & Nail Renovations can assist in improving your home’s overall comfort, including ensuring proper humidity levels, by offering professional solutions for insulation, ventilation, and moisture control in your living space.