What’s the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level? How to Achieve It

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt too sticky or too dry? That’s indoor humidity at work.

Indoor humidity levels play a big role in how comfortable and healthy your home feels. Too much humidity can lead to mould, musty odours, and even damage your furniture, while air that’s too dry can cause skin irritation, allergies and static electricity.

So, what’s the perfect balance? Most experts recommend keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% for optimal comfort and health. But achieving that balance isn’t always easy − especially with changing seasons. In this blog, we’ll break down what the ideal indoor humidity level is, why it matters, and how you can control it with simple solutions.

Whether your home is too damp or too dry, we’ve got you covered with practical tips to get it just right.

What is Indoor Humidity?

Indoor humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air inside your home. It’s measured as relative humidity (RH) − the percentage of water vapour in the air compared to the maximum it can hold at a given temperature. When humidity levels are too high, the air feels sticky and heavy. When they’re too low, the air feels dry and uncomfortable.

Humidity isn’t just about comfort; it affects your health and home, too. Excess moisture can lead to mould growth, dust mites and musty odours, while dry air can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and damage to wooden furniture.

Maintaining a balanced indoor humidity level is crucial for a healthier, more comfortable living space. The good news? It’s easy to measure humidity using a hygrometer, a small device that gives an accurate reading of your home’s moisture levels.

By understanding how indoor humidity works, you can take the right steps to keep your home feeling just right − whether it’s using a humidifier, dehumidifier or improving ventilation.

A couple hot and sweaty because of humidity

What’s the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?

The ideal indoor humidity level falls between 30% and 50%. This range provides the perfect balance − not too dry, not too damp − helping to keep your home comfortable while preventing common humidity-related problems.

When humidity levels drop below 30%, the air becomes too dry. You might notice dry skin, irritated sinuses, and even cracked furniture or flooring. Static electricity can also build up, making those little shocks more frequent.

On the other hand, if humidity levels rise above 50%, the air feels damp and stuffy. High humidity can lead to mould growth, musty smells, and an increase in allergens like dust mites. Over time, excess moisture can also cause wood to warp and damage electronics.

Humidity levels naturally fluctuate throughout the year. In winter, indoor air tends to be drier, while summer often brings excess moisture. Using a hygrometer to monitor your home’s humidity can help you stay within the ideal range. If it’s too high or too low, simple adjustments − like a humidifier or dehumidifier − can help maintain balance.

What’s the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?

Humidity levels naturally fluctuate throughout the year. In winter, indoor air tends to be drier, while summer often brings excess moisture.

Using a hygrometer to monitor your home’s humidity can help you stay within the ideal range. If it’s too high or too low, simple adjustments − like a humidifier or dehumidifier − can help maintain balance.

Problems Caused by Improper Humidity Levels

When your indoor humidity isn’t balanced, it can lead to a range of problems affecting your health, home and overall comfort. Here’s what can happen when humidity is too high or too low:

High Humidity Problems (Above 50%)

Mould and mildew growth – Excess moisture creates the perfect environment for mould, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
Musty odours – Damp air leads to unpleasant smells that linger in your home.
Dust mites and allergens – High humidity allows dust mites to thrive, worsening allergies and asthma.
Damage to your home – Wood floors, furniture, and walls can warp, swell, or rot due to excess moisture.

Low Humidity Problems (Below 30%)

Dry skin and irritated airways – Low moisture in the air can cause dry skin, chapped lips, sore throats, and sinus problems.
Static electricity – You may notice more frequent shocks and static cling in clothes.
Cracked wood and paint – Dry air can cause wood furniture, flooring, and even paint to crack.

Keeping humidity in the 30-50% range helps avoid these issues and ensures a healthier, more comfortable home.

How to Achieve and Maintain Ideal Indoor Humidity

Keeping your home’s humidity level between 30-50% is key to comfort and health. Whether your air feels too dry or too damp, here are some simple ways to adjust and maintain the perfect balance.

If Humidity is Too High (Above 50%)

Use a dehumidifier – A portable or whole-house dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air.
Improve ventilation – Open windows, run exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and use ceiling fans to improve airflow.
Air conditioning – Modern heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems reduce humidity in the air. This includes split systems and ducted air conditioning.
Fix leaks and moisture issues – Check for plumbing leaks, roof leaks, or poor drainage that could increase indoor humidity.
Use moisture-absorbing materials – Products like silica gel, activated charcoal, or baking soda can help control dampness in small spaces.

If Humidity is Too Low (Below 30%)

Use a humidifier – A cool or warm mist humidifier adds moisture to dry indoor air.
Add houseplants – Plants naturally release moisture, helping to raise humidity levels.
Air-dry laundry indoors – Drying clothes inside releases moisture into the air.
Place water near heat sources – Set bowls of water near heaters or radiators to add humidity.

With these simple tricks, you can keep your home’s humidity just right all year long.

A man uses a hygrometer to read humidity in the kitchen

Tools for Measuring and Controlling Humidity

Maintaining the right humidity level in your home starts with accurate measurement and the right tools to adjust it as needed. Here’s what you can use to monitor and control indoor humidity:

Measuring Humidity

Hygrometer – A small, affordable device that measures relative humidity in your home. Digital models provide quick and precise readings.
Smart thermostats – Many modern thermostats come with built-in humidity sensors, allowing you to monitor and adjust humidity levels from your phone.

Controlling Humidity

Dehumidifier – Helps remove excess moisture from the air, preventing mould, mildew and musty odours. Great for humid climates.
Humidifier – Adds moisture to dry indoor air, helping to relieve dry skin, allergies and respiratory discomfort.
Air conditioners – Air conditioning systems reduce humidity and need regular maintenance to ensure they’re doing their job.
Exhaust fans – Using fans in bathrooms and kitchens helps remove excess moisture from daily activities like showering and cooking.
Whole-house humidity control systems – Installed with your HVAC system, these devices automatically adjust humidity levels for year-round comfort.

By using the right tools, you can easily maintain the perfect humidity level and create a healthier, more comfortable living space.

Keep Your Cool and Stay Dry

Finding the right indoor humidity level is all about balance. Too much moisture can lead to mould, musty odours, and damage to your home, while air that’s too dry can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues and even cracked furniture. The ideal range is between 30-50%, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living environment.

The good news is you don’t need expensive solutions to control humidity. Simple tools like hygrometers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, exhaust fans and, of course, ACs can help keep your home in the perfect range. Small adjustments, like improving ventilation or adding houseplants, can also make a big difference.

By regularly monitoring and adjusting your indoor humidity, you can create a space that’s healthier, more comfortable and better for your home. Take control today and enjoy the benefits of balanced indoor air.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.