Updated: 10 October 2024
An often overlooked factor contributing to overall indoor air quality is low humidity. Especially during colder months, indoor air can become excessively dry due to heating systems, and this lack of moisture can lead to various issues, ranging from health problems to actual (often costly) damage to your home.
While humidifiers are a common solution, there are a few ways to humidify your house without a humidifier.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of humidity in your home and uncover various creative solutions to help you achieve a comfortable and inviting atmosphere all year round.
Related reading: How to Reduce Allergies Caused by Poor Indoor Air Quality
What Is Humidity?
Let’s quickly clarify what we mean by indoor humidity.
Humidity is expressed as a percentage, indicating the amount of water vapor in the air when compared to how much vapor the air could hold at a given temperature. There are two primary definitions of humidity:
- Absolute Humidity: This is the actual amount of water vapor present in a given volume of air, measured in grams per cubic meter.
- Relative Humidity: This is a more commonly used measure, representing the current absolute humidity as a percentage of the highest possible absolute humidity at that temperature. For example, 50% relative humidity means the air is holding half of the moisture it can potentially hold at that temperature.
What Humidity Should My Home Be?
The ideal relative humidity level for indoor spaces generally falls between 30% and 50%. This range ensures comfort while minimizing the risk of mold growth, dust mites, and other allergens.
- 30-40%: At this level, the air feels comfortable, and the risk of static electricity and skin dryness is reduced.
- 40-50%: This is often considered the optimal range for comfort, as it helps maintain the integrity of wooden furniture and flooring while also supporting respiratory health.
- 50+%: While some moisture is beneficial, humidity levels above 60% can lead to a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites, which can exacerbate allergies and asthma.
Why Humidity Matters
If humidity levels drop below the range we learned about above, it can result in various issues:
- Health Issues: Low humidity can cause dry skin, itchy eyes, sore throats, respiratory problems, and increased susceptibility to colds and infections. It can also exacerbate conditions like asthma and allergies.
- Discomfort: Dry air can make you feel colder than the actual temperature, which may tempt you to crank up the heat, leading to higher energy bills.
- Damage to Your Home: Dry air can cause wood furniture, floors, and musical instruments to crack and warp. Even wallpaper can peel off due to a lack of moisture in the air.
- Static Electricity: Low humidity increases static electricity in your home, which can be a nuisance and potentially harm sensitive electronics.
Given these risks, it’s crucial to maintain adequate humidity levels inside your home. Now let’s explore how to do this without purchasing a humidifier.
Humidifying Without Appliances
1. Houseplants to the Rescue
One of the easiest and most aesthetically pleasing ways to naturally humidify your home is by using houseplants. Plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. When plants absorb water through their roots, it moves up through the plant and eventually evaporates through small pores on the leaves.
Some plants are particularly good at releasing moisture into the air:
- Spider Plant
- Boston Fern
- Areca Palm
- Peace Lily
Place several of these plants around your home, especially in areas where the air feels particularly dry. Not only will they add moisture to the air, but they’ll also purify the air by absorbing toxins.
2. Boil Water on the Stove
Boiling water on the stove is a simple yet effective way to introduce moisture into the air. As water heats up, steam is released, which increases the humidity in your home. To maximize the effect, boil water in an uncovered pot and leave it on a low simmer for an extended period. You can even add a pleasant aroma by tossing in herbs, spices, or citrus peels for a natural, fragrant air freshener.
If you’re cooking pasta, soup, or any meal involving water, leave the pot uncovered for a while, allowing the steam to disperse into your living space (but make sure your risotto doesn’t burn!). This method is especially effective in small spaces like kitchens or dining areas.
3. Place Bowls of Water Near Heat Sources
Another low-effort technique for increasing humidity is to place bowls or containers of water around your home, particularly near heat sources such as radiators, heaters, or vents. As the heat evaporates, the water releases moisture into the air.
This method works particularly well in the winter when heating systems tend to dry out indoor air. Simply keep the bowls topped up, and you’ll maintain a steady source of moisture. For an added visual effect, use decorative bowls and add pebbles or marbles for a stylish touch.
4. Hang Wet Laundry Indoors
Instead of using a dryer, hang your wet laundry indoors to dry. Not only will this save on electricity, but the evaporating water will also add humidity to the air. The more clothing you hang, the more moisture will evaporate, so it’s an eco-friendly and practical way to kill two birds with one stone.
If you have a bathroom with good airflow, you can also hang damp towels or washcloths to dry naturally. This is particularly effective after showers, which already generate steam and raise humidity levels. Which leads us nicely into…
5. Leave the Bathroom Door Open When Showering
Speaking of showers, you can use the steam from a hot shower to humidify your home. Leave the bathroom door open while you shower to let the steam escape into the rest of the house. If possible, skip turning on the bathroom fan, as this will only pull the moisture out of the air. Instead, allow the steam to circulate naturally through adjacent rooms.
For even greater effect, take longer showers, although it’s important to be mindful of water usage and the potential impact on your utility bill.
6. Use Water Fountains
If you already have a decorative water fountain in your home or garden, it can double as a humidifier. Indoor water fountains constantly circulate water, which leads to a slow release of moisture into the air. Fountains also add a relaxing, soothing ambiance to your home.
Even if you don’t have a water fountain, you can simulate the same effect by using a large bowl of water and a small aquarium pump. This DIY fountain will help keep the air moist without requiring a dedicated humidifier.
7. Leave the Oven Door Open After Baking
After using your oven to bake or roast food, leave the oven door open to let the heat and moisture escape into the kitchen. This trick works similarly to boiling water on the stove by releasing steam into the air. Plus, the leftover warmth can help keep your home cozy without turning up the thermostat.
However, be cautious when using this method, especially if you have young children or pets, to avoid accidental burns.
8. Get a Fish Tank
Fish tanks naturally add moisture to the air due to the water surface area exposed to the surrounding environment. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity in the room. Even a small aquarium can contribute to the humidity levels.
In addition to humidifying your space, aquariums also provide a calming, visually appealing focal point in your home. If you already have one or are thinking of getting one, this can be a passive, multi-purpose way to add moisture to the air.
9. Opt for Air-Drying Dishes
After washing dishes, either by hand or using a dishwasher, skip the drying cycle. Instead, leave the dishes to air-dry in the open. The residual water on the dishes will evaporate, contributing to a slight but noticeable increase in humidity levels in your kitchen.
This is another small, eco-friendly way to add moisture to the air without increasing your energy usage or spending extra money on appliances.
Tips for Proper Humidity Maintenance
It’s important to remember that while there’s a “sweet-spot” for home humidity, it is possible for your home to become excessively humid — which can create its own issues.
Knowing When to Increase (or Decrease) Humidity
Understanding when to take action to adjust humidity levels is crucial for maintaining a balanced environment. Here are some guidelines for knowing when to increase or decrease humidity:
Increase Humidity When:
- Humidity Falls Below 30%: If your hygrometer indicates that indoor humidity has dropped below 30%, it’s time to take action to add moisture. This is especially important during colder months when heating can dry out the air.
- You Experience Dry Skin or Respiratory Issues: If you notice symptoms like dry skin, chapped lips, or respiratory discomfort, the air may be too dry, indicating a need for increased humidity. Likewise if you wake up parched in the night and reach for a glass of water.
Decrease Humidity When:
- Humidity Exceeds 50%: If indoor humidity levels rise above 50%, it’s advisable to take steps to reduce moisture. High humidity can lead to mold growth, dust mites, and discomfort.
- You Notice Condensation: If you see condensation forming on windows or walls, it’s a sign that humidity levels are too high and need to be lowered.
Remember: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining balanced humidity levels in your home.
Wrapping Up
Maintaining the right humidity levels in your home is crucial for both your comfort and health. While humidifiers can be effective, they are not the only solution. By trying out one or more of the methods discussed above, such as using houseplants, boiling water, hanging laundry indoors, and even getting a fish tank, you can naturally humidify your space.
These simple, practical solutions not only help maintain a comfortable living environment but also offer added benefits like purifying the air, saving on energy costs, and reducing environmental impact. Start with these cost-effective strategies today and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home all year round.
Humidifying Your Home: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the health benefits of maintaining proper humidity levels in your home?
Proper humidity levels reduce the risk of respiratory infections, ease symptoms of asthma and allergies, prevent dry skin, and soothe irritated nasal passages. It also minimizes the spread of airborne viruses, as they thrive less in humid environments.
2. Can using fans or opening windows help improve humidity indoors?
While fans and open windows can increase air circulation, they usually do not raise humidity levels unless outdoor air is more humid than indoors. In dry weather, fans and open windows might actually lower indoor humidity.
3. How do I measure humidity levels in my house?
You can measure humidity with a hygrometer, a small device that reads the moisture content in the air. Many digital thermostats and weather stations include built-in hygrometers, or you can buy a standalone unit.
4. Do cooking and baking regularly help maintain good humidity levels in winter?
Yes, cooking and baking, especially when using boiling water or steam, can help maintain indoor humidity during colder months. Leaving pots uncovered or oven doors open after use allows moisture to enter the air.
5. Is it possible for indoor humidity to be too high, and what are the risks?
Yes, if indoor humidity exceeds 60%, it can promote mold growth, dust mites, and wood rot. High humidity also makes a space feel warmer, leading to discomfort and potential respiratory issues, especially in people with asthma.
6. How do cold weather and heating systems impact indoor humidity levels?
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, so when outdoor temperatures drop and indoor heating systems run, the air becomes drier. Heating systems without humidification can exacerbate the problem, lowering indoor humidity levels to uncomfortable levels.
7. Can indoor humidity affect how well your houseplants grow?
Yes, many houseplants thrive in moderate to high humidity. Low humidity can cause leaf tips to turn brown and reduce plant growth. Keeping humidity levels balanced benefits both your health and the health of your plants.
8. How can I tell if my home is too dry for pets?
Signs that your home is too dry for pets include dry skin, excessive shedding, and respiratory issues like coughing or sneezing. Just like humans, pets benefit from a well-humidified environment for comfort and health.
9. What are some DIY ways to boost humidity during the night?
To boost humidity at night, you can place a bowl of water near radiators or vents, leave the bathroom door open after a shower, or hang damp towels in the bedroom. If you have houseplants, group them together to naturally raise humidity overnight.
10. Can essential oil diffusers work as a mini humidifier?
Yes, essential oil diffusers that use water can double as small humidifiers, adding moisture to the air while releasing fragrant oils. However, they typically only cover small spaces, so they’re best used for single rooms.
Concerned about the humidity levels in your home? We’re here to ensure your family stays comfortable in your home year-round. Get in touch with us today for a no-obligation chat about how we can help.
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