How to Maintain a Consistent Humidity Level in the Home
- 1). Open windows to ventilate the room naturally. This method is particularly effective when it is windy outside and outdoor air has a lower relative humidity than indoor air. Use portable fans and the whole-house fan setting on your air conditioner to more efficiently circulate air throughout the home.
- 2). Use dehumidifiers in the home. You can measure the relative humidity in each room using an inexpensive electronic device called a hygrometer. In the rooms that have the highest relative humidity readings, install portable dehumidifiers and re-measure with the hygrometer. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends an indoor relative humidity of between 30 and 50 percent for the home generally.
- 3). Inspect plumbing, water appliances, the roof and windows for signs of excess moisture such as mildew growth or condensation. One of the leading causes of high indoor relative humidity is a source of excess moisture in the home that makes indoor air more damp. Looking for sources of excess moisture and repairing them will go a long way toward reducing overall relative humidity in the home and keep it consistently within the ideal 30 to 50 percent range.
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