What’s the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level for winter in the Coachella Valley?

In our last blog, we talked about whole house humidifiers (LINK) and how you can use them to add moisture to the air in your home. What we didn’t mention was what humidity level you should set your humidifier at in order to reap all its benefits. So let’s take a look at what happens to humidity during the heating season and the ideal indoor humidity level for winter here in the Coachella Valley.

What is humidity like during winter in the Coachella Valley?

Although we’re fortunate enough to not have the freezing-cold winters that much of the rest of the country experiences, we still have some of the same wintery effects — in particular, lower humidity levels.

During this time of year, the air outside carriers a lot less moisture than it does during the rest of the year. In other words, the humidity levels are much lower. And when the humidity outside is low, so is the humidity in our homes.

How to control indoor humidity during winter

As we mentioned last week, you can control the humidity levels in your home by installing a whole-house humidifier. These units can protect you and your family from the adverse effects of low humidity such as dry skin, nosebleeds, cracked hands and lips and the spreading of germs and viruses in your home. They can also prevent the potential damage that low humidity can have on your furniture, walls and floors.

What is the ideal indoor humidity level during winter?

The EPA advises that you keep your indoor humidity levels somewhere between 30 and 50 percent. Many people report that their homes feel best at a humidity level of around 45 percent. To find the ideal humidity level for your home during winter, try 45 percent as a starting point and adjust it according to your comfort levels.

Once you find the perfect humidity level for your home, try lowering your thermostat a few degrees. The higher humidity will make your home feel warmer, which will allow you to save energy by decreasing the demand on your heating system!

If you have any questions about the ideal indoor humidity level in your home during winter, or if you’d like a heating and cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Hydes, your Coachella Valley HVAC company.