The right humidity setting could be the difference between dry skin or a mildew infestation
A humidity gauge helps you measure moisture levels in your home, with the ideal range between 30% and 50% for comfort and health.
Whole-house humidifier installation costs around $600, while portable humidifiers range from $50 to $400, depending on your home's coverage needs.
You can adjust your home's humidity by running your AC to reduce moisture or using humidifiers to add it back during dry conditions.
Hiring a local HVAC company provides expert installation and setup for whole-house systems, keeping your indoor air balanced and comfortable year-round.
During the winter, your furnace humidifier fights against dry air to keep your home balanced. But it also works quietly behind the scenes during the summer when you have the air conditioner cranked. This is a good thing. For maximum comfort, your furnace dehumidifier should run year-round to maintain an ideal “summer” humidity setting. Here’s what you need to know.
While you may not actively think about it, water vapor floats around in the air in your home. This water vapor is measured in percentages and indicates how much water the air can hold before the water changes to liquid form, causing condensation. Controlling humidity in your home is important because while you want the benefits of having moisture in the air, having too much leads to problems like mold and mildew.
You’ll want to aim for 30% to 50% humidity in your home for the maximum comfort level. There are a couple of things you have to factor in when setting your home’s levels during the summer.
Indoor humidity is inevitable in humid climates, so you’ll need to adjust your settings.
Running your AC unit will dry out the air in your home.
Keeping the humidity levels in the right range is a balancing act, but it’s a good idea to start at 40% and make adjustments based on whether you have too much moisture in the air or not enough. Using this setting along with other summer HVAC tips should keep the air in your home comfortable.
The reason why indoor humidity is a range is because it needs to fluctuate based on the temperature outside. Cold air holds more moisture, so if the air inside is warmer than the air outside and that cold air enters your home, condensation can form.
If you live in a region prone to high humidity, like the South, then you’ll need to set your indoor humidity to the higher end of that range. Here are some helpful guidelines:
| Outdoor Temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) | Max Indoor Humidity (in Percent) |
|---|---|
| 20 – 40 | 40 |
| 10 – 20 | 35 |
| 0 – 10 | 30 |
| -10 – 0 | 25 |
| -20 – -10 | 20 |
| -20 – lower | 15 |
There are numerous benefits that you can get from keeping your home humidity at an appropriate level.
Keeping your home’s humidity around 40% provides health benefits to you and your family. Humidity keeps your nasal passages and throat moist, preventing dry, irritated sinuses that can spark illness. You’ll also keep itchy eyes and dry skin at bay by keeping your humidity levels up.
If your humidity setting is too high, you’ll create a damp environment where mold and mildew thrive. Set it too low, and your wood and furniture can dry out and crack. Are you working on building a dreamy home library? Low humidity levels also make it difficult to keep books in good condition, leading to cracking spines and dried glue.
The right amount of moisture in the air will make your home feel cooler, allowing you to set your air conditioner at a higher temperature. Increasing the thermostat even one or two degrees during the summer can make a difference in your energy bill.
You can measure humidity levels in your home with a hygrometer device or an indoor humidity monitor. Most local hardware stores sell them, and the basic models usually cost around $15 to $25.
Aside from springing for a hygrometer, watch for signs that indicate your humidity levels are off. If moisture forms on the inside of your windows, your humidity level is probably too high. If your plants (and your skin) are drying out, or you experience a shock when you touch a light switch, your levels are likely too low.
One of the best ways to control moisture and humidity in your home is to invest in effective humidifiers for the summer (or dehumidifiers for the winter). These portable small appliances cost anywhere between $50 to $400 or more, depending on how much of an area you need to cover.
Depending on the size of your home, you may only need a couple of these to cover the most important rooms. But if you live in extremely humid climates (think: Florida, Louisiana, or Hawaii), it may be more cost-effective to invest in a whole-house humidifier. Another scenario is if you have a finished basement that lacks any kind of climate control.
You can hire an HVAC technician to install a whole-house humidifier. A whole-house humidifier costs around $600.
I normally do not leave reviews, but my experience with Worthington Air was extremely frustrating and disappointing. About 30 days ago, I had a consultation done for an HVAC replacement and was quoted approximately $15,079. Based on that quote, I applied for financing through their company...
ARS Columbus Worthington AirGreat company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon MitigationAs usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC TechniciansRaven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLCI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCAce Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace ServicesThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyExcellent experience with hiring Tether House to Mount our 77’ Samsung TV in our bedroom. Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Tether HouseOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Whole-house humidifier costs vary based on the type and size of the unit, along with other factors. The price might be worth it for people living in dry regions.
How much does a whole-house dehumidifier cost? The final price can vary. Explore our cost guide to see what impacts the price and start budgeting now.
Not sure which type of furnace humidifier is best for your home? We’ve broken down four different options, explaining how they work and their benefits.
A whole-house humidifier costs between $400 and $800, but can have an ROI of 40%. Learn if adding this HVAC appliance is worth it for you.
Are you considering adding a whole-house humidifier to your home? Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of a whole-house humidifier.
A whole-house dehumidifier is a necessity when the relative humidity levels surpass 50%. Find out who installs dehumidifiers—and why you need one—here.
