Managing Indoor Humidity Levels as Temperatures Drop

As frigid winter winds begin to blow, Maryland homeowners get ready to battle with the ever-changing humidity. One day, the air might be too dry, the next, so humid and muggy that it’s tough to breathe.

Managing indoor humidity levels as the seasons change is a delicate balancing act. Below, the pros at Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating explain how to keep your home’s air comfortable when the mercury plummets.

What Is the Ideal Indoor Humidity During Winter?

Generally, humans are most comfortable at a relative humidity level of 40% to 60%. During the winter, it’s best to stay on the lower end of this range. The lower the temperature, the lower your indoor humidity should be.

Let the outdoor temperature be your guide for the ideal humidity level. If it’s 20 to 40 degrees outside, stick with a humidity level of 40%. When temperatures fall to 10 to 20 degrees, drop the humidity to 35%. If the temperature drops below zero, shoot for a maximum indoor humidity of 25%.

Some thermostats will tell you the relative humidity level of your indoor air. If yours doesn’t, invest in a hygrometer. You can pick one up for a few dollars at your local hardware store.

How To Maintain Moisture Balance in a Humid Home

Is the air in your home too humid? Condensation on windows is a surefire sign. If the humidity is far too high, you might even spot condensation on the walls and ceiling. Clammy-feeling skin points to excessively high humidity as well.

Luckily, managing indoor humidity levels doesn’t have to be difficult. Try these tips to get the humidity down.

• Give your humidifier a rest: It may go without saying, but if your home’s already too humid, don’t make the problem worse by running a humidifier. Put yours on standby until the air is too dry for comfort.
• Promote good ventilation: Be sure to run the exhaust fan after taking a hot shower or bath. If the weather allows, open a few windows for about 15 minutes a day. You should also inspect your air vents to ensure they’re clog-free.
• Open doors: Opening doors between rooms allows for good air circulation and can slash humidity levels.

Preventing Dry Air During Winter

Is your home’s air far too dry? Follow these tips:

• Employ a humidifier: The use of humidifiers is an excellent way to boost your home’s humidity levels quickly.
• Boil water: Fill a pot with water, then set it to boil on the stove. As the water boils, it’ll release moisture into the air.
• Take a shower: After showering, leave the bathroom door open to encourage moisture to move throughout the house.
• Decorate with houseplants: Houseplants, such as the spider plant and peace lily, are unsung heroes when it comes to boosting humidity.

Let Us Help You Keep Your Home Comfy This Winter

Managing indoor humidity levels can be a frustrating challenge, but Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help. Call (301) 468-2665 to schedule service and get your home prepped for our frosty Maryland winters.