How To Find The Right Humidity Level In Your Home
The Gulf Coast region is known for its distinctive climate, which is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Unfortunately, humidity in Louisiana homes can sometimes be a problem. Oftentimes, insufficient humidity is just as uncomfortable as too much humidity. Too much moisture can warp wood and encourage mold growth. On the other hand, excessively dry air can cause discomfort in the skin or throat. That’s why it’s so important to maintain the optimal humidity level at home.
AccuTemp is known throughout the greater Baton Rouge and South Louisiana areas for its expertise in maintaining appropriate indoor humidity levels year-round. Using modern tools and technologies, we can ensure your comfort regardless of humidity levels and weather conditions.
Measuring Relative Indoor Humidity
The first step toward maintaining humidity levels in your home is determining how much moisture you’re dealing with. The following steps will allow you to measure indoor humidity reliably and accurately:
- Using a hygrometer: This is, by far, the easiest and most reliable method for measuring humidity. A digital or analog hygrometer will give you real-time readings of your home’s relative humidity.
- The ice cube method: Place a few ice cubes in a glass of water and wait a few minutes. Condensation on the outside of the glass means that humidity is probably at an acceptable level. If you don’t see any condensation, your indoor air is probably too dry.
- Wet-bulb/dry-bulb thermometer method: Compare the temperature readings from two thermometers—one uncovered and one wrapped in ice and a moist towel. The temperature difference will give you an idea of the humidity level in your home.
Using a hygrometer is the most convenient and accurate way to measure indoor humidity. Based on your reading, you can adjust your HVAC system’s humidity controls as needed. Check out the ASHRAE Standard 160-2021 on moisture control design. It provides information on optimal home humidity levels, along with industry guidelines for managing humidity in a residential setting.
What are the Ideal Humidity Levels?
For most households, relative humidity in the 45% to 55% range is the most comfortable. But given Louisiana’s humid summers, you might want to maintain indoor humidity at 40% to 50% to avoid feeling so “muggy”. In the colder months, aim for a humidity level of around 30% to 40%. This range should keep the air from being dry while still preventing damage to wood furniture or flooring.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can fluctuate widely due to insulation, weather, and your HVAC system’s performance. It’s also worth noting that home humidity in Baton Rouge is affected by the region’s subtropical climate, so you’ll want to keep a close watch on these levels.
Managing Indoor Humidity Levels
When your humidity levels go outside the optimal range, there are a few things you can do to restore balance.
If the humidity is too high:
- Place houseplants indoors to absorb excess moisture.
- Install exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Take shorter showers with cool water.
- Avoid using your indoor clothes dryer if possible. If not, open a window to improve ventilation.
- Clean or replace your AC filters regularly.
If the humidity is too low:
- Use a room or whole-house humidifier, depending on the severity of the problem.
- Dry your clothes indoors to restore ambient humidity.
- Put bowls of water near air vents.
- Mist or lightly spray water into the air for quick, short-term relief.
Your HVAC system plays a key role in maintaining the right humidity level in your home. Most newer systems have built-in humidity controls for this very purpose.
Why the Right Humidity Matters
Balanced humidity helps ensure comfort, health, and structural protection. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality, maintaining humidity between 30 and 50 percent helps ensure comfort and health.
Here are some reasons why homeowners throughout South Louisiana should care about indoor moisture:
- Comfort: No more sticky air in the summer, and dry discomfort in the winter.
- Health benefits: Helps reduce irritation to the skin, throat, and nasal passages.
- Protects building materials and furnishings: Helps prevent wood from cracking, paint from peeling, and mold from growing.
- Improves HVAC efficiency: Reduced mechanical stress on HVAC systems can lower your energy costs.
- Fewer allergens and less mold: Less dust, dust mites, and mildew.
- Maintains indoor air quality: Air is fresher and cleaner.
If you’d like to know more about how humidity and temperature affect your comfort and health, take a look at OSHA’s report on Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings.
AccuTemp’s Indoor Air Quality & HVAC Services
To effectively control humidity, you will need equipment that matches your home’s layout and the climate. AccuTemp provides Baton Rouge and South Louisiana customers with a range of HVAC and indoor air quality services to restore moisture balance in their homes.
Here’s a sample of the indoor air quality & HVAC services we offer:
- Assessment of your indoor humidity
- Dehumidifier or humidifier installation
- Indoor air quality evaluation
- Quick response and reliable local service
AccuTemp’s technicians understand how the Gulf Coast’s humid conditions affect your comfort and health. If you are struggling with excessive moisture or dryness, contact us for expert assistance today!
FAQs
Is a hygrometer necessary, or can I estimate humidity without one?
A hygrometer allows you to accurately measure humidity levels and monitor daily, seasonal, or significant weather event fluctuations. While you can estimate relative humidity with the ice cube method, a hygrometer is the most accurate and consistent method.
Does running my air conditioner effectively control indoor humidity?
Air conditioners will remove some humidity while cooling your indoor air. However, it can’t always handle humidity effectively, especially during the warmer, more humid summer months. Using a dedicated dehumidifier or the built-in humidity settings on your HVAC system can help better manage your home’s humidity level.
What humidity level is best for Louisiana homes?
Given the humidity in Louisiana homes, maintaining a range of 45 to 55 percent is the best way to ensure comfort. Lower relative humidity in the summer helps prevent stickiness, while moderate levels help prevent dryness in the winter.
