Generally, hygrometers cost anywhere from $10 to $40, just depending on the brand and its capabilities. To ensure you get an accurate reading, place your hygrometer away from your kitchen and bathrooms. [2] X Expert Source Victor BelavusAir Conditioning Specialist Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
The drier the air, the lower the temperature on the wet thermometer will be.
Think about when you shower and how the windows and mirrors will often be covered in steam when you get out. That’s because the level of moisture in the air greatly increased while the water was running due to the temperature of the water and the steam it produced. Also pay attention to moisture or wet stains on the walls or ceiling, as well as a stuffy feeling when you enter the room. [6] X Expert Source Victor BelavusAir Conditioning Specialist Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
You might also notice a musty odor in the room. [8] X Expert Source Victor BelavusAir Conditioning Specialist Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. Keep in mind that mold is sometimes caused by another source of water, like a leaky ceiling or faucet, and may not specifically be due to excessive humidity. If that’s the case, the leak needs to be addressed to fix the mold problem. The bathroom is a common place where you might notice mold developing. If this is the case, make sure to always use the exhaust fan when you shower to help filter out the humid air. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, leave a door or window open so the steam from the shower has somewhere else to go. The basement is another area where you might notice mold growth. Basements tend to be damp; to combat basement mold, run a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
When you change your sheets or make your bed and experience a lot of static, you’re also probably noticing that you’ve been waking up with a dry throat or that your skin has become dry. These are other signs that a room may need some extra humidity.
For humidity-sensitive rooms, like wine cellars, art studios, or libraries, a dehumidifier with an adjustable humidistat is a great investment. You set the level of humidity needed, and the machine will automatically shut off or turn on when needed.
Even just turning on a ceiling fan can help lower the humidity in a room, but it won’t have a great effect over a large amount of space. Using a ceiling fan to lower humidity will work best if the outdoor air is drier than the indoor air and if you can open windows to circulate the humid air from inside to the outside. The more enclosed a space (like in a bedroom with its doors closed), the more effective this will be.
If you leave your home, make sure to close the windows back up or use the security latches so your home isn’t at risk from intruders.
If you have leaky windows or doors, get them fixed. That can also help keep a room at the right level of humidity. If you’re looking to dehumidify your entire home, it would be more advantageous to put the dehumidifier in a central location and keep all the interior doors in your home open. Depending on how large your space is, you may need more than one dehumidifier.
Taking shorter, cooler shower will not only help you maintain the humidity level in your bathroom, but it will also save you money on your water bill.
Always read the humidifier’s manual before you use it. Some types require a specific kind of water, some will mist the air (in which case you don’t want to put it near fabric), while others might use cool or warm steam.
Similarly, use a tea kettle to heat up water instead of a microwave to introduce more steam into the air. Never use a plastic bowl, as it might melt when placed on the heating register.
This won’t add a ton of moisture to the room, but it can make a definite difference for your comfort.
Look for these common houseplants to increase the humidity in your home: rubber plants, English ivy, spider plants, rubber figs, sword ferns, and peace lilies. On the flip side, if your home has excessive humidity and you own a lot of houseplants, consider removing some to help reduce the humidity level.
