If you’re having trouble with the humidity levels in your home, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. And one of the main reasons for this is high humidity levels.
So, what can you do about it? Well, luckily, there are a few ways to measure humidity levels and to fix the problem, if it’s not right for you.
On this page, we’ll talk about how to measure humidity levels at home and what you can do if they’re too high or too low. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to keep your home’s humidity levels in check.
Contents
Why Is Humidity Important?
Humidity is important because it helps maintain a healthy environment in our homes.
Too much humidity can cause problems like mold and mildew, while too little humidity can lead to dry skin and other health problems. By keeping track of the humidity levels in your home and taking action if they get too high, you can help keep your home healthy and comfortable.
Problems Caused By Low Humidity
Low humidity can cause a number of problems in your home, including:
- Dry skin
- Chapped lips
- Cracked wood floors or furniture
- Static electricity
- Allergies
- Asthma attacks
Problems Caused By High Humidity
High humidity can cause a number of problems in your home, including:
- Mold and mildew
- Damage to wood floors or furniture
- Roof leaks
- Peeling paint
- Mosquitoes
How To Measure Humidity
There are a few different ways to measure humidity levels. One is to use a hygrometer, which is a device that measures the amount of water vapor in the air. You can also use a thermometer to measure humidity levels. And, finally, you can check the dew point.
The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in the air will condense into liquid form. So, if the dew point is higher than the current temperature, then humidity levels are high. And if the dew point is lower than the current temperature, then humidity levels are low.
An easy way to measure humidity is to use a hygrometer. This is a small device that you can buy at most hardware stores. It will tell you the percentage of humidity in the air. If the level is too not right, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
Top 3 Hygrometers
Here are three of the best highly rated hygrometers on Amazon:
- Ambient Weather WS-04 Wireless Hygrometer
- AcuRite 00613 Digital Hygrometer & Indoor Thermometer
- Taylor Precision Products 1732 Thermometer and Hygrometer
The Ambient Weather WS-04 Wireless Hygrometer is a great choice if you're looking for a quality hygrometer. This device is accurate to within ±2%RH and has a range of 20% to 95%RH. It also comes with a built-in thermometer, so you can track both the humidity and temperature levels in your home.
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The AcuRite 01036A humidity monitor has been tested and proven to be one of the most accurate monitors on the market, so you can be sure that you are getting an accurate reading.
Another reason that the AcuRite 01036A humidity monitor is a good choice is because of its size. This particular model is small and discreet, meaning that it will not take up a lot of space on your countertop and will not be visually obtrusive. This is important if you want to be able to keep track of the humidity levels in your home without it being a distraction.
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The Taylor Precision Products digital hygrometer is another great choice for a quality hygrometer. This device is accurate to within ±2%RH and has a range of 10% to 90%RH. It also comes with a built-in thermometer, so you can track both the humidity and temperature levels in your home.
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How To Measure Humidity Without A Hygrometer
One of the simplest ways to measure humidity without a hygrometer is to use a common household item-a pot or pan.
- Fill the pot with water and place it in an area of your home that you want to measure the humidity level in.
- Leave the pot for several hours and check the water level. If the water has evaporated, it means that the humidity level in that area is high.
- If the water has not evaporated, it means that the humidity level in that area is low.
Another way to measure humidity without a hygrometer is to use a wet/dry bulb thermometer. A wet/dry bulb thermometer works by measuring both the temperature and humidity levels of an area. To use a wet/dry bulb thermometer, you first need to find a place in your home that is relatively still and has good air circulation. Next, take the thermometer and wrap the wet end of the cloth around the bulb. Then, attach the clip to a stable object. After that, wait for about 15 minutes so that the thermometer can get an accurate reading. Once it has, you will be able to see the humidity level on the scale.
How To Measure Humidity Using The Ice Cube Test
The ice cube test is a quick and easy way to measure humidity levels in your home.
- To do the test, place an ice cube in a cup or bowl and wait until it melts.
- If the ice cube melts completely within 10 minutes, the humidity level in your home is too high.
- If the ice cube doesn’t melt at all, the humidity level is too low.
You can use this information to help you fix the humidity problem in your home. If the humidity level is too high, you can buy a humidifier to add moisture to the air. If the humidity level is too low, you can buy a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
What Is A Comfortable Humidity Level ?
A comfortable humidity level is typically considered to be between 30% and 50%. This range is comfortable because it prevents both the drying out of airways and mucous membranes, as well as the build-up of moisture that can lead to the growth of mold and other allergens.
Humidity levels below 30% can cause respiratory problems, while levels above 50% can lead to discomfort from excessive moisture. If you are experiencing problems with your humidity level, you can use a humidifier or dehumidifier to adjust it to a more comfortable range.
How To Fix High Humidity
One thing you can try is to use a dehumidifier. This is a machine that pulls the moisture out of the air and dumps it into a container. You can buy them at most home improvement stores or online.
Another thing you can try is to adjust your thermostat. If you set it to a higher temperature, the air will be drier and the humidity levels will go down.
If you have a cat, you know that one of the essential items you need to keep your home clean is cat litter. But did you know that there’s another benefit to using cat litter inside your house – it can help decrease humidity levels?
That’s right – by spreading cat litter around in strategic places in your home, you can help reduce the amount of moisture in the air. This is especially helpful during the summer months, when humidity levels are typically higher. So if you’re looking for a way to make your home more comfortable during the hot summer days, consider using cat litter as a dehumidifier!
If you’re trying to decrease the humidity in your home, you can do so by turning on the exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen. This will help to pull moisture out of the air and make it more comfortable to breathe.
Finally, you can try to improve ventilation in your home. This means opening up windows and doors to let in fresh air.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to keep track of the humidity levels in your home and to take action if they get too high. By following these tips, you can help keep your home healthy and comfortable.
How To Fix Low Humidity
If the humidity levels in your home are too low, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
One is to use a humidifier. This is a machine that adds moisture to the air. You can buy them at most home improvement stores or online.
Another thing you can try is to adjust your thermostat. If you set it to a lower temperature, the air will be damper and the humidity levels will go up.
Hang your newly washed clothes inside the house to dry. The moisture from the clothes will add humidity to the air. You can also take showers or baths, and run the dishwasher or washing machine to add moisture to the air. If you have a humidifier, you can also use that to increase the humidity in your home.
A bowl of water can be used to increase the humidity in a room. This is an easy way to raise the humidity level and can be especially helpful in winter when the air is dry. Simply place a bowl of water near the radiator or other heat source in the room. The heated air will rise and cause the water to evaporate, which will increase the humidity. You can also place a bowl of water on a table or near your bed to increase the humidity levels while you sleep. Adding a few drops of essential oil to the water can also help to improve the air quality in the room.
Did you know that you can use indoor plants to adjust the humidity in your home? Many houseplants, such as ferns, Boston ferns, and peace lilies, are efficient at absorbing moisture from the air. You can place these plants near windows or other areas of your home where humidity is low to help increase the humidity levels. If you are looking for an easy way to increase the humidity in your home, using indoor plants is a great option!
Finally, you can try to improve ventilation in your home. This means opening up windows and doors to let in fresh air.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to keep track of the humidity levels in your home and to take action if they get too low. By following these tips, you can help keep your home healthy and comfortable.
Conclusion
By following the tips above, you can help keep the humidity levels in your home under control. By using a dehumidifier, you can make your home more comfortable and healthy to live in.
