The ideal humidity for a house generally falls between 40% and 60% relative humidity. More specifically:
- Most research and experts suggest keeping indoor humidity between 40%-60% to balance comfort and health.
- Keeping humidity below 50% indoors helps to discourage mold growth.
- Humidity levels should ideally scale with outdoor temperature, with lower indoor humidity recommended in colder weather.
- For example, indoor humidity should not exceed 50% when outdoor temperature is above 50°F, and should be lower as outdoor temperatures drop, going as low as 15% indoors for very cold conditions.
- Different rooms vary slightly: living rooms and bedrooms do well at 40-60%, kitchens and bathrooms can have slightly higher humidity due to activities.
- Too high humidity can promote mold, dust mites, and discomfort, while too low humidity can cause dryness and respiratory irritation.
- Maintaining 30-50% humidity is also recommended for respiratory health and comfort, especially in winter.
- For sleep comfort, humidity between 30% and 50% is often suggested, with a max threshold of 60%.
In summary, the best target for home humidity is usually in the range of 40% to 60%, adjusting for seasons and specific rooms, with a focus on preventing mold and allergens while promoting comfort.
