Achieving the right level of humidity for your home can be tricky, but it’s an important part of keeping your family comfortable and your HVAC system running properly. 

In the winter months, humidity levels drop and we tend to feel the effects of lower humidity in the following ways:

• Dry, itchy skin
• Susceptibility to colds and infections
• Damage to wood furniture and flooring

In the summer, the humidity rises with the temperatures, commonly causing:

• Mold growth
• Muggy conditions
• Sleep discomfort

In general, a relative humidity level between 45 to 53 percent is ideal for comfort and to prevent microorganism growth. 

So, how do you keep a consistent level of humidity in your home throughout the year?

Start by assessing the current humidity level in your home. The easiest way to find out is to hire a professional to come in and measure the humidity level.

In Florida, you may find that your home has humidity levels above 55%, which is quite normal for our naturally humid climate.

To reduce humidity in your home and maintain a comfortable interior, use these tips:

• Increase air movement in your home with ceiling fans.
• Use the bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when you shower and cook.
• Keep the windows closed when the humidity level is higher than the ideal 30 to 45 percent (which is quite often in Florida).

Remember, to keep yourself and your HVAC system healthy, it’s best to maintain a home humidity level between45 to 53 percent. There’s no magic number, but you can keep within this range by paying attention to humidity levels as the weather changes and making adjustments as needed.