What is humidity control? It can be tricky—that’s why it’s important no matter your climate—dry or humid. Whether it’s too high or too dry, humidity can impact Indoor Air Quality and, ultimately, your family’s well-being. From asthma to allergies, dust mites to mold spores, and more, getting a handle on your indoor humidity can optimize your family’s health and help you achieve the ultimate Healthy Home environment.  

The Benefits of Humidity Control 

By keeping your indoor humidity between 40% and 60%*, this important focus on humidity control can help prevent the spread of illness by ensuring contaminants aren’t given an environment where they can grow and thrive. 

“By controlling the relative humidity level in a home,” writes the EPA, “the growth of some sources of biologicals can be minimized. Relative humidity of 40–60* percent is generally recommended for homes.”  

When you prioritize humidity control in your Healthy Home, you can experience the following life-changing benefits, like: 

• Protection From Illness 
• Pest Control 
• Allergy Relief 
• Better Sleep 
• Lowered Stress Levels 

 

But these are not the only benefits you can experience with humidity control! Maintaining ideal indoor humidity levels in your Healthy Home can also help those with sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Turns out, a little moisture is good for our lungs and nasal cavities as our airways are lined with fluids. So, when our air is too dry, our airways dry up and become irritated. When the air is too humid, viruses can linger. 

Prioritizing humidity control in your Healthy Home also helps reduce the risk of pests. In fact, most people are only aware of the impact allergies from pollen and other outdoor elements can have on our health. However, dust mites, cockroaches, and other pests also cause many allergies. Microscopic particles made up of dried-up body parts from dead bugs or even feces can wreak havoc on our respiratory systems and cause sneezing or itching. Humidity control keeps those pests at bay. 

Healthy Home Dos & Don’ts 

Don’t let unbalanced humidity weigh you down any longer. 

DO: Be mindful of your regional humidity 

In addition to seasonal humidity, it’s also important to consider your location. A home in Arizona is likely to be drier throughout the year than a home in Florida. Different regions have different household humidity needs. Your local Healthy Air Professional will help determine your home’s specific needs. 

DON’T: Neglect the warning signs 

If you notice static shock, cracks in the floorboards, creaky furniture, chipped paint, or dry skin and sinuses—especially in the wintertime or in dry climates—your home may be too dry. Alternatively, your home may be too humid if you notice—especially in the summertime or in moist climates—a lingering musty smell and condensation on windows or mirrors. These are surefire signs you need humidity control!  

DO: Consult a professional about your humidity control needs 

If you believe your home’s humidity is less than ideal, consult a local professional to help your Healthy Home consistently achieve ideal humidity levels year-round. 

DON’T: Forget to clean or replace filters or water panels regularly 

AprilAire Whole-House Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers come with specialized filters or water panels that help create clean, breathable air in your home. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual regarding how often to clean or replace water panels. 

Final Thoughts 

Just by asking “what is humidity control?” you’ve learned that it’s easier to live a happier, healthier life by maintaining indoor humidity all year long. Remember: AprilAire Whole-House Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers offer seamless, energy-efficient ways to improve the Indoor Air Quality of your Healthy Home. 

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*While balanced humidity exists between 40 and 60%, it’s important to remember that outdoor temperature and other home factors will impact what relative humidity level is attainable and recommended for your house. Talk with your AprilAire Healthy Air Professional to learn more.