You should set your humidifier to different settings during the winter and summer months.
During the winter, you want to set your humidifier to 30-50% humidity. During the summer, you also want to keep your humidity levels around 30-50%, but you may not need to run a humidifier during the summer months.
If you’re finding that the outdoor air temperature is high, then there is a chance the humidity levels are already normal inside of your home.
If you run air conditioning, this can cause your humidity level to drop (as well as using a heating system).
Below you’ll find what to set your humidifier to and signs the humidity levels are high and low inside of your home.
Let’s get started.
What Should I Set My Humidifier?
You should set your humidifier to 30-50% relative humidity to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home.
You may find that you enjoy it more or less humid, so find what setting is most comfortable for you.
What you want to watch out for is if the humidity level in your home’s air gets too high.
If the outdoor temperature is already hot and humid, then you may not need to use your humidifier at all.
Always monitor your relative humidity level with a hygrometer so that you avoid any condensation forming on your walls.
Overly high humidity levels can lead to health problems as well as damage your furniture, walls, and belongings.
What Should I Set My Humidifier to In Winter?
The EPA recommends for the indoor humidity level to be between 30-50% and ideally below 60%.
During the winter, you want to set your furnace humidifier to 30-50% relative humidity for the best results.
Forced air conditioning can cause low humidity levels in your home by drying out the air through the air conditioning process.
Too much humidity can cause water and ice buildup on your windows as well as mold and mildew growth on your walls.
If you find this is happening, then reduce the indoor humidity level.
What Should My Humidifier Be Set to In Summer?
During the summer months, the average humidity should be between 30-50% inside of your home.
The problem you’ll face in the summer is that the outdoor temperature humidity is already high, which may lead to high indoor humidity.
Air conditioning can cause the humidity levels to drop below a comfortable level, but you may find that you don’t need a humidifier at all.
If you find that your indoor humidity has gone above 50%, then you should use a dehumidifier.
If you find that your indoor humidity level has gone below 30%, then you should use a humidifier.
What is Relative Humidity?
Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor content in the air. This is represented as a percentage and called (%RH), which is the amount needed to achieve saturation at the same temperature.
Absolute humidity is the ratio of mass of water vapor to the mass of dry air. They are not the same thing and should not be confused.
Signs The Indoor Humidity Levels Are Too High In Your Home
- Moist indoor air
- Smell of mildew
- Visible mold
- Allergies are flaring up
- Rotting wood
Signs the Humidity Levels Are Too Low In Your Home
- Suffering from dry skin
- Sore throat
- Dry lips
- Itching
- Static electricity buildup
- Dry hair
Final Thoughts
Depending on if you have a heating system, air conditioning, and what season it is will all have an effect on what your humidifier settings should be.
Keep in mind that the optimal indoor humidity levels should be around 30-50%.
During the summer, you may not need a humidifier at all as the humidity in the air will be high.
Your HVAC system may remove some of the humidity, so measure the humidity in your home if you feel that the air is getting too dry.
As the temperature drops, the humidity level will as well and you may need to use your humidifier again.
Always measure the humidity in your home with a hygrometer for accurate readings.
Image Credit: Flickr.com
