Ideal humidity at home: what should it be and how to achieve it

What is the ideal humidity at home according to experts?

Experts in environmental health and energy efficiency agree that the ideal humidity at home should be maintained between 40% and 60%. This is the range in which the environment is healthiest and most comfortable.

When humidity drops below 40%, the air becomes too dry and can cause discomfort such as skin irritation or a feeling of cold. If it exceeds 60%, the risk of condensation, mould and a heavy atmosphere increases, especially in the warmer months.

Staying within this range not only improves air quality, but also helps your climate control systems function better. This avoids sudden temperature changes and reduces the need to turn the heating or air conditioning up or down. It is a simple way to gain comfort and efficiency at the same time.

How to tell if your humidity levels are right

The most reliable way to measure humidity is with a hygrometer, an economical device that shows relative humidity in real time. Many domestic thermometers already include one.

You can also look out for signs that indicate an imbalance:

Signs of low humidity:

• Static electricity.
• Dryness in the skin, throat or nose.
• Feeling cold even with the heating on.
• Wood cracking or shrinking.

Signs of high humidity:

• Steamed-up windows.
• Musty smell.
• Dark spots or mould on walls and ceilings.
• Sticky, muggy feeling in summer.

The impact of low humidity

Dry air is very common in winter, especially when the heating is on for many hours. This lack of moisture can be noticed in day-to-day life and affects comfort at home:

• Irritation in eyes, throat and mucous membranes, which makes the environment less pleasant.
• Greater susceptibility to colds, as the airways dry out.
• Dry or cracked skin, especially on hands and lips.
• Colder perceived temperature, which can lead to turning up the heating unnecessarily.
• Damage to wooden furniture or musical instruments, which can shrink or crack.

Furthermore, when the environment is too dry, the heating can feel less effective. This can lead to higher energy consumption in order to achieve the same sensation of comfort.

How to fix low humidity (dry air)

If the humidity drops below the ideal percentage, you can apply several simple measures to restore balance and improve comfort at home:

1. Use humidifiers

They are the most effective option for increasing humidity. Models with automatic control maintain the right level without you having to worry.

2. Place containers with water near radiators

The heat encourages evaporation and helps to moisten the environment naturally.

3. Bring in plants that add humidity

Species such as ferns, pothos or indoor palms contribute to stabilising humidity and improving air quality.

4. Ventilate during the mildest hours

A few minutes a day are enough to renew the air without losing too much heat, especially if you do it at the least cold times.

5. Avoid overheating

Keeping the heating between 19 °C and 21 °C helps prevent the environment from drying out and improves system efficiency.

The impact of high humidity

When humidity exceeds recommended levels, the environment can become uncomfortable and affect both well-being and the condition of the property. Among the most common consequences are:

• Appearance of mould and fungi, especially in cold or poorly ventilated areas.
• Allergies and respiratory discomfort, as humidity promotes the growth of microorganisms.
• Deterioration of walls, furniture and textiles, which can become stained or deformed over time.
• Condensation on windows and cold surfaces, a clear sign of excess moisture.
• A muggy sensation in summer, which makes the atmosphere feel heavier.

Furthermore, when the air is very humid, heat is perceived with greater intensity. This can lead to using the air conditioning more to achieve the same sensation of comfort.

How to reduce humidity at home

If humidity is very high, it is important to act to avoid condensation, mould and a heavy atmosphere. These measures can help you restore balance:

1. Use dehumidifiers

They work very well in areas with little ventilation, such as basements or bathrooms, and help keep humidity under control.

2. Ventilate after showering or cooking

Steam builds up quickly. Opening windows or using extractor fans prevents it from spreading throughout the home.

3. Avoid drying clothes indoors

If you have no other option, try to do it in a well-ventilated room so that moisture does not accumulate.

4. Check the insulation

Draughts and thermal bridges favour condensation. Improving insulation helps maintain a more stable environment.

5. Use the extractor hood whenever you cook

Even boiling water generates steam, and the hood helps expel it before indoor humidity increases.

Ideal humidity in winter: how to avoid dry air without losing heat

In winter it is common for humidity to drop lower than recommended. The combination of continuous heating and cold outside air dries out the environment and can affect comfort. To maintain an adequate level without losing heat:

• Ventilate only between 5 and 10 minutes a day, preferably during the mildest hours.
• Use humidifiers or containers with water near radiators, which help balance humidity naturally.
• Avoid turning the heating up too high, as very high temperatures dry out the environment even more.
• Improve insulation, avoiding cold air infiltration which reduces humidity and forces the use of more heating.

Ideal humidity in summer: how to avoid excess without sending air conditioning bills soaring

In summer, humidity can increase easily, especially in coastal areas, and make the environment feel heavier than normal. To keep it under control without depending so much on air conditioning, you can apply these recommendations:

• Ventilate first thing in the morning or at night, when the outside air is cooler and drier.
• Activate the 'dry' mode of the air conditioning, designed to reduce humidity without cooling excessively.
• Avoid generating unnecessary steam, such as very hot showers or cooking without a lid, as they quickly raise indoor humidity.
• Use dehumidifiers if humidity exceeds 60%, especially in rooms with poor ventilation.

How humidity affects energy consumption

Humidity has a direct impact on how we perceive temperature and, therefore, on the use we make of heating and air conditioning.

• With low humidity, the air feels colder than it really is, which usually leads us to turn up the heating to achieve the same sensation of comfort.
• With high humidity, heat becomes more intense and heavy, and it is common to resort more to air conditioning to relieve that sensation.

Maintaining humidity within the ideal range helps to:

• Improve thermal comfort without depending so much on climate control.
• Reduce energy consumption, as it is not necessary to continuously adjust the temperature.
• Prolong the useful life of equipment to ensure it operates more stably and efficiently.