The air in your apartment should be neither too dry nor too humid. If the air is too dry, it can cause static electricity, respiratory problems, and cracked skin. If the air is too humid, it can promote the growth of mold and dust mites.
The ideal relative humidity for your apartment should be between 30 and 50 percent. There are a few quick ways that you can control the humidity in your apartment.
In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of high and low humidity levels, how to test the relative humidity in your apartment, and what you can do to fix it.
Let's get started!
What is Relative Humidity?
Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air compared to how much moisture the air can hold. The relative humidity changes depending on the temperature of the air. Air can carry more moisture at higher temperatures, so when it gets cold, it usually cannot hold as much moisture.
The causes of high and low humidity levels may vary. For example, a higher level of humidity may be caused by the lack of ventilation in your apartment. Low relative humidity, on the other hand, can be caused by excessive drying.
Maintaining relative humidity levels is important because high levels can cause mold to grow and low levels can cause dry skin, cracked skin, and even respiratory infections.
How to Test the Relative Humidity in Your Apartment?
If you are suspicious that your apartment is not maintaining the right relative humidity levels, there are a few ways to tell.
If you notice any of these signs, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the problem. While dry air (low indoor humidity levels) can be fixed easily by running a humidifier in your apartment, high indoor humidity may require some more drastic measures.
If you are dealing with very high levels of humidity, it is important to find the source of the moisture and get rid of it.
5 Quick Ways to Lower Indoor Humidity Levels in Your Apartment
1
Get a dehumidifier
The high humidity in your apartment can cause a lot of problems. It can make your clothes feel damp, cause condensation on your windows, and make your home feel stuffy. A good dehumidifier for apartments can help to take care of all of these problems.
Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air. This can help to reduce the amount of condensation on your windows and make your clothes feel less damp. It can also help to make your home feel more comfortable by reducing the amount of humidity in the air.
If you are not sure which dehumidifier to get, you can ask for advice at a hardware store or look online for reviews. There are a variety of different models available, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs.
2
Don't hang clothes to dry inside
One of the most important things to lower indoor humidity levels is to avoid hanging clothes to dry inside. The moisture from wet clothes will only add to the humidity in your home.
If you have to hang them up, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area like a balcony, near an open window or ideally hang the clothes up on an outdoor clothesline. If you don’t have one, consider buying a portable clothesline or a folding rack to use.
3
Use exhaust fans when cooking and showering
You can help control the humidity in your apartment by using exhaust fans when cooking and showering.
The fans will help to remove the moisture from the air and keep your apartment feeling fresh and dry. You should also open a window when cooking or showering to let the moist air escape.
If you do not have an exhaust fan, use a small standing fan instead.
4
Keep the AC on
When it’s humid outside, the air inside your apartment can feel stifling. You might be tempted to turn off your air conditioner to save money, but that can actually make the problem worse.
The key to keeping your apartment comfortable is controlling the humidity, and the best way to do that is to keep the AC on.
Here’s why: when the air conditioner is running (both in cooling and heating mode), it’s also dehumidifying the air. That means that it’s pulling moisture out of the air, which can help to offset the humid conditions outside.
And, as an added bonus, cooler air feels more comfortable than warm air, so you’ll be more comfortable inside even if it’s hot and sticky outside.
5
Open windows when it's not humid outside
When it’s not humid outside, open your windows to let the fresh air in. This will help to control the humidity in your apartment and make it more comfortable to live in.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to keep the humidity under control in your apartment, there are a few quick and easy ways to do so. By taking some simple steps, you can help ensure that your home is comfortable and free of dampness and mold.
One of the best ways to control humidity is to ventilate your home. This can be done by opening windows and doors on a regular basis to let fresh air in. You can also use fans to help circulate the air and keep things dry.
If those remedies do not work, you should try to use a dehumidifier. Just make sure that you empty it regularly and clean it out so that the air is free of any mold.
Additionally, it's important to make sure that any potential sources of moisture are properly sealed. This means caulking around windows and doors, repairing leaks, and using a dehumidifier in particularly humid rooms.
By following these simple tips, you can easily keep the humidity under control in your apartment and create a more comfortable living space.
