Humidity in the home: Tips for a Comfortable Climate

To create a comfortable and healthy living environment in your home, it is crucial to understand what the ideal humidity level is in your home and how to manage it. In this article we cover everything you need to know about this topic and offer advice on how to optimize humidity in your home.

What is humidity and why is it important?

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. It is important to understand the humidity in your home, because both too high and too low humidity can have negative consequences for both your health and the condition of your home.

Excessive humidity can adversely affect quality of life by promoting mold spores, allergens and respiratory problems. On the other hand, too low humidity can lead to dry eyes and skin, sore throat, headaches, and can cause damage to (wooden) interior parts and musical instruments.

Ideal humidity in your home?

The Sterling diagram illustrates the impact of relative humidity on health and well-being. It shows how too low humidity can increase the growth of bacteria, viruses, and ozone production, which is harmful to health. On the other hand, excessive humidity can promote the growth of mold, bacteria and viruses, which can also be harmful.

What is the ideal humidity in your home?

A healthy indoor climate is influenced by various factors, including temperature, humidity, air quality and air movement. Ideal humidity varies per room and is also influenced by seasonality. In general, a relative humidity between 40% and 60% is recommended for a healthy indoor climate.

Ideal humidity in the home:

Function space:	Temperature range:	Ideal humidity:
Living and working space:	20 to 23°C	40 to 60%
Bedroom:	17 to 20°C	40 to 60%
Children's room:	20 to 23°C	40 to 60%
Kitchen:	18 to 20°C	50 to 70%
Bathroom and shower room:	20 to 23°C	50 to 70%
Hall and storage areas:	15 to 18°C	40 to 60%
Cellar:	10 to 15°C	50 to 70%

Measuring humidity in your home

You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home. Place the hygrometer in different locations in the house for an accurate picture of the overall humidity.

Tips to achieve and maintain ideal humidity in your home

- Ventilation: Provide regular ventilation by opening windows and doors.

- Dehumidifier : Use a dehumidifier if the humidity is too high.

- Houseplants: Houseplants can regulate humidity naturally.

By following these tips, you can optimize the humidity in your home for a comfortable and healthy indoor climate.