What is the ideal humidity level in a house?
Everything you need to know about optimal humidity in a house
Because humidity levels that are too high or too low can have serious consequences in a home, here is some useful information on the ideal humidity level in a home and some tips on how to regulate it.
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SUMMARY:
Why bother with the relative humidity level of a house?The ideal humidity level in a house How do you measure the level of humidity in a house?Humidity levels in a house that are too high or too low: what are the risks? How to regulate the level of humidity in a house?
Why bother with the relative humidity level of a house?
In a home, the percentage of water vapor in the air relative to the maximum amount that the air can absorb is called relative humidity (or hygrometry).
In a house, this rate obviously varies according to various parameters, such as:
The outside temperature and the season; The number of inhabitants in the house (a family of 4 people naturally emits more than 10 liters of water vapor per day); The type of heating chosen; Indoor activities…
However, it is very important to know the humidity level of a house to see if it is too low or too high, and if so, find solutions to regulate it.
Simply because in order to live properly in a house and be healthy, not only humans, but also animals and plants need a certain amount of water vapor in the air!
What is the ideal humidity level in a house?
In several countries (the optimal humidity level of a home varies according to climate and therefore geographical areas), the ideal humidity level is between 40 and 60% according to doctors, and rather between 45 and 55% for people with fragile health.
In general, a humidity level 45-65% is quite acceptable in an everyday interior.
How to interpret the optimum humidity level value in a house? It is simple. If he relative humidity level in your house is 50%, this means that the ambient air contains 50% of the maximum amount of water vapor that it can absorb depending on the temperature in your house.
Good to know: The ideal humidity level in a house is not the same in winter as it is in other seasons.
The lower the temperature, the lower the ideal humidity level in a house.
Yes: As the outdoor humidity is higher during the cold season, as the outdoor temperature drops and as the temperature in your house rises, the relative humidity level will be rather around 30 to 50% in winter.
How is the humidity level in a house measured?
For measure humidity and the temperature of your house, there is a simple but very effective device: the hygrometer.
Equipped with a probe and needle (for older models) or a digital dial (for newer, more reliable and more practical models), the hygrometer measures and analyzes the air quality in your home in just a few minutes.
However, be warned: although it is easy to use and quite accurate, the hygrometer it is not a 100% reliable tool to measure the level of humidity in a house.
If you have any doubts or if you want to measure the humidity level in your house in a very precise and exact way, call a professional!
Humidity levels in a house that are too high or too low: what are the risks?
If it is important to know the level of ideal humidity of a house and know how measure the humidity of a houseit is because a humidity level that is too high or too low can have detrimental consequences in a house, not only for its structure, but also for its occupants.
In fact, a humidity level too high (more than 65%) in a house can result in:
The proliferation of microbes and microorganisms that can cause allergies or infections (such as dust mites, for example). The development of fungus and/or mold on the walls and ceilings of the house with a moldy smell that remains constantly. The appearance of condensation on all cold surfaces in the house. Peeling wallpaper or paint degradation on walls (blisters, cracks). Laundry room that smells bad because it does not dry well.
However, a relative humidity level too low in a house (below 30%, which usually happens in winter when the heating is on all the time) is not healthy either, since air that is too dry can have the following consequences:
An increase in lung and eye irritations, allergies and asthma attacks because viruses spread more quickly when the air is too dry. Dryness of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which can lead to ENT infections in younger people. Dehydration problems and increased sweating. Fatigue and headaches. Chapped lips and nasal congestion, but also tingling in the eyes.
How to regulate the humidity level in a house?
To avoid having a humidity level too low or too high in your house (with the consequences that this can have), remember that:
the best way to fight against excess moisture is simple: start by ventilating your house properly.
Whatever the season, make sure to ventilate preferably early in the morning, and as soon as you do an activity at home (sports at home, housework, etc.).
Also think about insulating your home optimally and, if necessary, invest in a dehumidifier (chemical or electric dehumidifier, it’s up to you) to dry the air in your house.
If he humidity level is too low, you can use a electric humidifier to increase the concentration of water in the room air.
Also remember that the temperature in your home can be responsible for making the air too dry: yes, the higher the temperature rises, the more the air tends to dry out.
Hence the importance of setting the thermostat at a temperature of 20-21°C in your living room all year round: this so-called comfort temperature is more than enough!
You should also know that certain heating methods are known to dry out indoor air. This is the case with electric heating (especially if you have old convectors in toaster mode!) and wood heating.
Note: Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are certainly effective solutions for dealing with abnormally high or low humidity levels in your home, but beware!
They are temporary solutions that will not solve the problem at the source, and obviously should not be replaced by good ventilation of your house and regular aeration.
In case of recurring moisture problemsdo not hesitate to call a professional who will establish a diagnosis and determine the causes of your humidity problems (infiltrations and leaks, rising capillaries, etc.).
Once the causes have been determined, you will be able to give it adequate and long-lasting treatment.
Humidity, a concern both inside and outside the house
Before thinking about solutions for effectively combat humidity in the bedroomit is important to check what causes it.
The ideal humidity level for a bedroom should be between 50 and 60%. Above 60%, the rate is too high. This can cause health problems.
Moisture outside the chamber
It is often caused by water infiltration during heavy rains. A bad sealing of the exterior carpentry (window, French window…) can also be a cause.
The humidity inside the chamber
It is essentially caused by human breathing. In fact, we exhale 1 to 2 liters of water every night. Incredible true? Moisture can also come from certain household chores, such as drying clothes in a room.
What are the main consequences of humidity in the room?
a humid interior it can lead to the formation and growth of mold in the bedroom. If you have wallpaper, mold can even start to form under it, before gradually peeling off the wallpaper.
Mold can lead to respiratory problems of varying degrees of severity.
Tip #1: Make a homemade dehumidifier
The dehumidifier is easy to find commercially, but it can also be homemade.
To do this, start by cutting a water bottle in half, then wrap a compress around the neck held in place by rubber bands.
Hydrophilic cotton can also be used if you don’t have pads at home.
Pour a few drops of essential oil on top, and then place part of the coarse salt on the neck.
Finally, like a wasp trap, fit the funnel-shaped part into the bottom of the bottle. All you have to do is put it in a damp room.
Homemade dehumidifiers are often cheaper than commercial versions from some brands.
Plus, they contain fewer chemicals. This is a good thing if you are using this type of product in a child’s room.
Tip #2: Fix the pieces of gum arabic
To reduce it in a room, place small pieces of flavored (not kitchen) gum arabic.
absorbs moisture, disinfects closed rooms and perfumes them. The other idea: you can also put them in cabinets and dressers to prevent mold.
Tip #3: Bet on the salt
Coarse kitchen salt is undoubtedly one of your best allies for overcome humidity in cabinets!
Just put it in a few bowls and install it in the rooms where you need it. A little advice: do not forget to change the coarse salt regularly.
You can also make a great homemade dehumidifier out of coarse salt and a 1.5 liter plastic bottle.
Tip #4: Choose the charcoal
We don’t necessarily think about it, and yet charcoal is very effective at fight against moisture.
Just put a few pieces of charcoal (3 or 4 are more than enough) in a container with a perforated lid. For example, you can use an empty ice cream pot for this.
To keep it effective, remember to change it at least every two weeks.
Tip #5: Use crushed clay
Clay has the ability to attract water. Therefore, it is a good natural trick to trap moisture present in the room. Use a 1.5L (empty) plastic bottle for this purpose. Cut the bottle two-thirds of the way with a cutter.
Fit the small funnel-shaped part into the larger part and line it with a thin fabric.
On the fabric, fill the funnel three-quarters full with crushed clay (found in organic stores). Remember to regularly empty the full bottle of water.
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