To keep your home comfortable, you have to keep indoor humidity levels in check. If you don’t, you’ll be stuck with dry indoor air during the winter and sticky humid air during the summer. Both extremes can impact your comfort, health, and even your home itself.
If you’re ready to solve your indoor humidity issues once and for all, CARJON can help.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about controlling humidity in your home to make it a healthier and more comfortable place to live.
Is Your House Too Humid or Too Dry?
Humidity sounds like a summer problem, but it can actually impact your home all year. Too much humidity makes your house feel hot and sticky, making you uncomfortable and even encouraging mold growth. But, too little humidity is just as bad. When there isn't enough moisture in the air, you can end up with itchy skin, chapped lips, and worse.
The Problem with Too Much Humidity
When the humidity in your house gets too high, you may experience:
- Musty odors or mold growth
- Condensation on windows
- Sticky or clammy indoor air
- Increased allergy or asthma symptoms
- Warped wood and peeling paint
The Problem with Too Little Humidity
During winter, your heating system runs frequently to keep your home warm. But as it heats the air, it also reduces moisture levels, making the air too dry in your home. The most common symptoms of dry air in a home include:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Chapped lips
- Frequent static electricity
- Nosebleeds or sinus irritation
- Cracking or warping of wood furniture and flooring
What’s the Optimal Humidity Level for a House?
Most experts agree that 30-50% humidity is ideal for a house. It can go a little higher, but should never exceed 60% humidity. However, the ideal humidity level, like the ideal temperature, is personal. A comfortable temperature for you might be a little too warm or too cool for someone else. Similarly, the most comfortable humidity level for you might be a little too humid or too dry for someone else. Our team will talk to you about your preferences and help you strike the right balance for your home.
How to Manage Indoor Humidity Levels Year-Round
-
Use Your HVAC System to Control Humidity
Many homeowners don’t realize that their heating and cooling system plays a significant role in humidity control. If you have a heat pump or central AC system, it will naturally dehumidify as it cools the air in your home.
-
Install a Humidifier for Winter
If you notice symptoms of dry air in your home—like cracked skin, static shock, or dry throat—a humidifier can help. There are two types of humidifiers:
- Portable humidifiers - Can be effective in a small area but are limited by their size.
- Whole-home humidifiers - Installed directly into your HVAC system for consistent moisture control throughout the house.
At CARJON, we typically recommend installing a whole-house humidifier if you’re dealing with persistent dry air. We’ll integrate it with your central HVAC system for easy, whole-house humidity control.
-
Install a Dehumidifier for Summer
When humidity levels rise above 50-60%, it’s time to take action. Your air conditioner helps keep humidity in check, but if the air still feels too humid even with your AC running, adding a dehumidifier can make a big difference.
A dehumidifier will:
- Make your house feel cooler and less humid
- Reduce moisture buildup that leads to mold and mildew
- Help your AC run more efficiently
- Improve indoor air quality and prevent musty odors
Need Help? Call CARJON for Humidity Control in Rhode Island!
Dealing with high humidity or dry air in your house is frustrating. If you’re ready to find a solution, reach out to CARJON today. We’re the local HVAC company Rhode Islanders have trusted since 1989 and we can help you find a humidity control solution that works for your home.
