{Achieving|How to Get|Getting} The Perfect Humidity Inside Your Des Moines Home for Comfort

It’s {hot|hot outside|a hot day}. The {AC|air conditioning|AC unit} is running and you’re inside, but you’re still {hot and sweaty|uncomfortable|uncomfortably hot}. 

The house still feels {sticky|humid|damp}. It’s even {hard to sleep|difficult to sleep|tough to get comfortable enough to sleep at night}. 

If you’re experiencing these issues, especially if your home {is|feels|also feels} {cold and clammy|chilly and damp|cool and clammy} in winter, {you may have a humidity problem|you home is probably too humid|your home may be too humid}. While some {moisture inside your home|moisture in your home’s air|indoor air moisture} is {good|helpful|beneficial}, {finding|achieving|reaching} the perfect humidity in your home is crucial. 

High indoor humidity can make your home feel {warmer|hotter|uncomfortabley hot} and cause mold and other health {concerns|problems|issues}. Extremely low indoor humidity can cause dry skin, irritated airways and even cause your home’s woodwork to {crack|split|dry out and crack}. 

So, what’s the ideal indoor humidity for a home in Des Moines? Here’s {a look at the truth about|what you need to know about|a closer look at how to balance} home humidity levels, seasonal changes and when you may need {professional help|expert assistance|help from an HVAC professional}. 

What {Is the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level|Humidity Level Is Ideal for Your Home|Is My Home’s Ideal Humidity}?

The recommended indoor humidity for most Des Moines homes is {between 30-60% RH, experts suggest|somewhere between 30% to 60% relative humidity}. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) {recommends|suggests} a range of 30-50%, while the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) {says home humidity should be kept between|suggests a home humidity range that’s a little higher,|suggests a range of} 30-60% relative humidity.   

However, {the ideal indoor humidity may be different in your home than your neighbor’s|what is a comfortable and healthy home humidity level for you may be unique to your situation|conditions may vary by home and by the health concerns of occupants|your home’s ideal humidity may be unique to you}. {To find the right humidity for your home, contact an HVAC specialist for an indoor air quality assessment|An indoor air quality assessment and testing is the best way to determine the right humidity for your home|An expert indoor air quality assessment is the best way to determine the right humidity for your home}. 

There are {several types of humidity that affect your home|three common humidity measurements|a few different humidity measurements commonly used to describe indoor air quality}: relative humidity, absolute humidity and the dew point. 

• Relative humidity {measures|shows|indicates} how much moisture is in the air compared with how much the air can hold at its current temperature. Sometimes called RH, {this is the measurement usually displayed on home humidity monitors|it’s the number used by home humidity monitors to measure humidity|it is number you’ll usually see on a home humidity monitor}. 

• Absolute humidity {measures|shows|calculates} the actual amount of water vapor in {your|your home’s|the} air. 

• Dew point is the temperature {at which|where} moisture begins to {condense|form condensation|turn into liquid water, or condense}. The higher the dew point, the {muggier|more humid|heavier and more muggy} the air feels. You may hear meteorologists {talk about|mention} the dew point during the {evening news|nightly forecast|local weather report}. 

{For everyday|When it comes to|When talking about} home comfort, relative humidity is the measurement that {matters most|is normally used|is used the most}. 

{Best Humidity Level by Season and Climate Context|Best Humidity Levels for Different Seasons and Climates|What’s the Best Humidity Level for Summer and Winter?}

When it comes to what the humidity should be in your house in Des Moines, the best indoor relative humidity level {changes by|depends on the|} season. That’s {because the humidity level outside changes with the seasons|due to seasonal differences in outdoor humidity|because outdoor humidity also changes throughout the year}. Summers in Des Moines are {warmer and more|hotter and more|typically warm and} humid, while winters are {drier and colder|colder and much drier|cooler with less moisture}. That {makes a difference in|affects|can change} what humidity level {is most|feels} comfortable {inside|in} your home. 

{Recommended|Suggested} Winter Target: 30% to 40% 

Cold outdoor air {holds less moisture|contains less moisture|is dryer than warmer air}. When warm, moist indoor air meets {cold windows and other exterior surfaces|cool windows and other cold surfaces|the cold glass on your windows}, condensation can form. Keeping indoor humidity lower in winter helps {reduce|limit|minimize} condensation, frost buildup and moisture damage around window frames. This helps reduce {the risk of rotting wood frames|the chances of rotting window frames|the chance your window frames will rot}.   

The ideal home humidity in winter for Des Moines-area homes is 30-40%. This {is|strikes|typically is} a good balance between {just enough|enough indoor air} moisture {while keeping your home from becoming|without allowing your home to become|without your home getting} too humid. 

Summer Target: 30% to 45% {— 50% Maximum|(Max 50%)|(50% Max)}

High humidity {often makes|can make} {a warm room feel even|rooms feel} {hotter|warmer|more uncomfortable} because moisture {makes it more difficult for your body to cool down using|makes it more difficult to cool down using|slows the body’s ability to cool itself through} evaporation. It can also make your {AC|cooling system|air conditioner} {work harder|run longer|operate more} {to remove the moisture from your home|as it removes moisture while cooling the home|to try to remove the extra moisture}. 

In Des Moines, the ideal humidity level in a house during the summer is 30-45%. It’s best to {stay below 50% RH|keep humidity under 50% RH|maintain levels below 50% RH} to stay comfortable. 

{Regional Climate Factors|Climate Factors to Consider|How Regional Climate Affects Humidity}

Climate {matters, too|also plays a role|is another factor to consider}. Homes in dry southwestern regions may need {more humidification|additional humidification|extra moisture}, while homes in high-humidity coastal regions may need {more dehumidification during warm months|dehumidification in summer|moisture removed during warmer months}. Your home’s {construction, insulation and HVAC system|insulation, construction and HVAC equipment|design, insulation and heating and cooling system} also affect the right target. 

{Ideal Humidity Levels for Specific Room Uses and Health Conditions|Recommended Humidity Levels for Different Rooms and Health Needs|Best Indoor Humidity Levels for Specific Rooms and Health Concerns}

The EPA humidity ranges are a {good starting point|useful starting point|good start|a good place to start}. However, they may need adjusting {due to special considerations for your home|in your home|based on your home’s unique humidity challenges} or the medical needs of household members. 

{Optimal Humidity for Sleeping and Bedrooms|Best Humidity for Bedrooms and Sleeping|Best Humidity for Sleeping}

Humidity can {really affect|have a surprising impact on|have a big impact on} {your ability to|how well you|a good night’s} sleep.  

{Setting your bedroom’s relative humidity|Keeping your bedroom humidity|A bedroom RH} between 40% and 50% {helps|can help} keep nasal passages and airways from becoming {overly dry|too dry|excessively dry}, which may make breathing and sleeping easier.  

{Making sure your bedroom has enough moisture—but not too much—|Adequate moisture in sleeping areas|Just enough moisture in your bedroom air} can also reduce {dryness-related throat and nose irritation|irritation in the nose and throat|nose and throat irritation linked to dry air} that may contribute to snoring. Overall, comfortable breathing at night {supports better sleep|promotes better sleep|helps you sleep better}, including normal REM sleep. 

{Respiratory Health: Asthma, Allergies and Infants|Asthma, Allergies and Infant Respiratory Health|Best Home Humidity Levels for Asthma, Allergies and Infants}

{Although|While|Even though} some moisture is {beneficial|good}, {be careful to avoid allowing too much humidity in your home|it’s important to prevent indoor humidity from becoming too high|make sure humidity in your bedroom and other areas isn’t too high}. Keeping {your home’s indoor relative humidity|indoor RH|the relative humidity in your home} below 50% {discourages dust mites and excess moisture that can support mold growth|limits dust mites and helps prevent mold growth|reduces the chance of conditions that support dust mites and mold}.  

{This is especially important for people with dust allergies, asthma or other breathing conditions|That can be especially helpful for people with allergies or asthma|This is even more important if you have household members with allergies or asthma}.  

{On the other hand|At the other end of the range}, keeping {indoor relative humidity|RH} above 30% can help prevent {overly dry air from irritating the nose and airways|dry air from irritating nasal passages and airways|excessively dry conditions from irritating the nose and airways}, including in infants. 

{Protecting Hardwood Floors, Furniture and Electronics|Protecting Wood Floors, Furniture and Electronics|How Humidity Affects Hardwood, Wood Furniture and Electronics}

{Moisture can do real damage to the wood floors, furniture and trim in your home|Changes in humidity can have a big impact on wood furniture and finishes inside your home|Wood responds to changes in indoor moisture}.  

Keeping {your home’s relative humidity|the relative humidity level|the RH in your home} between 35% and 55% can help {reduce excessive wood shrinking, gapping, cupping and warping|reduce the risk of wood shrinking, gapping, warping or cracking|prevent wood furniture and trim from cracking, warping or shrinking}. 

Dry air can also increase {static electricity|static buildup|electrical static}, which can create problems for {sensitive electronics|electronic equipment|your electronic devices}. 

{The Health and Home Risks of Humidity Imbalances|Risks of Humidity Imbalances|How Humidity Imbalances Affect Your Health and Home}

Humidity {affects more than your comfort|imbalances aren’t just uncomfortable—they also carry real health risks|isn’t just a comfort issue}. {Indoor humidity that’s too low or too high|Extremely low or high humidity|High humidity or extremely low humidity} can {cause or worsen health conditions|contribute to health problems or make existing conditions worse|aggravate breathing issues or other health conditions} and {cause costly damage to your home|lead to expensive home damage|cause property damage}. 

{Risks of Low Humidity (Dry Air <30%)|Low Humidity Risks (Dry Air <30%)| Below 30%: Risks of Low Humidity}

• Health Impacts: {Dry, flakey|Overly dry|Dry} skin, bloody noses, irritated sinuses, {cracked and chapped|cracked} lips and {increased susceptibility to|greater vulnerability to|a higher risk of catching} airborne virus can occur when {the air in your home|indoor air|the air inside your home} is {extremely|too|very} dry. 

• Property Damage: Static electricity, {cracking drywall or plaster|cracks in drywall or plaster|drywall or plaster that develops cracks}, gapping {in wood|hardwood|in wooden} floors and damage to acoustic wood instruments can {happen|develop|occur} {if|when} humidity {stays too low|is too low|drops below recommended levels}. 

{Risks of High Humidity (Excess Moisture >50%)|High Humidity Risks (Excess Moisture >50%)|Higher than 50%: Risks of High Humidity in Your Home}

• Health Impacts: Clammy skin, {greater risk of heat-related illness|potential diffcultity cooling down in extremely hot weather|more difficulty cooling down in hot weather} {worsening|aggravated|persistant} asthma symptoms and {increased dust mites, bacteria and allergens|more dust mites, bacteria and allergens|higher levels of dust mites, bacteria and allergens} can accompany excessive humidity. 

• Property Damage: {Condensation on windows|Foggy and wet windows|Window condensation}, peeling paint or wallpaper, {musty odors|lingering musty smells|moldy or musty smells}, damp insulation and wood rot can result from {too much humidity in your home|extremely high home humidity|excess moisture}. 

{How to Measure and Identify Humidity Problems in Your Home|How to Check for Humidity Problems in Your Home|How to Measure Indoor Humidity and Spot Problems}

There are {simple, budget-friendly ways|easy, affordable tools|straightforward, low-cost ways} to check your home’s humidity. {Testing your home humidity|Measuring home humidity|These humidity measurement tools} can {show whether your home is too dry, too damp or within a comfortable range|give you a good idea of whether your home is too dry, too humid or just right|show whether your indoor humidity is too low, too high or within a normal range}. 

{Visual and Physical Warning Signs|Signs of Humidity Problems to Watch For|Signs of Humidity Imbalances}

{Signs of low home humidity include|Low humidity can cause|Signs of low home humidity include} static shocks, dry or itchy skin, chapped lips, a sore throat in the morning or dry nasal passages. You may also notice that wood floors or furniture {shrink or develop gaps between the boards|shrink or develop gaps between boards|contract or form gaps between floorboards}. 

{Signs of high humidity in your home include|Warning signs of high home humidity are|High humidity causes} {foggy or wet windows|fogged-up or damp windows|condensation on windows}, sticky or clammy skin, a musty or moldy smell in the basement and rooms that {feel damp even when the temperature is comfortable|seem damp when the rest of the home doesn’t|feel clammy even when the room temperature is fine}. 

{Measuring Tools:| Tools for Measuring Humidity in Your House:|How to Measure Humidity in a House with} Hygrometers and Smart Thermostats

Digital hygrometers and smart {thermostats|thermostat humidity sensors} are {effective ways|ways|tools you can use} to measure humidity in your house or apartment. 

To use a digital hygrometer, turn it on and {place|set|put} it in a central living area away from {direct sunlight, bathrooms, kitchens, drafty windows and HVAC supply|sunlight, kitchens, bathrooms, drafty windows and HVAC|direct sun, cooking areas, bathrooms, drafty windows and air supply} vents. Let it {monitor the air|sit|measure moisture levels} for {several|a few} hours before checking the reading. {It can be helpful to measure the humidity in rooms throughout your home, so you can spot any differences|You also can compare readings from different rooms if needed|Many homeowners find it helpful to measure humidity in several rooms, so they can compare readings in different parts of the home}. 

Many smart thermostats {display indoor RH automatically|show indoor RH readings automatically|automatically display indoor relative humidity}. Some {utilize|also use} remote environmental sensors, allowing you to {monitor humidity in another room|check humidity levels in a different room|use an app to check your humidity levels anywhere you are}. 

{Tips to Achieve and Maintain Ideal Indoor Humidity|How to Reach and Maintain Ideal Indoor Humidity|How to Achieve the Ideal Home Humidity Level}

{After|Once} you know how to measure humidity in your house, {simple changes may help bring it closer to your target|a few adjustments may help you reach your target|straightforward steps may help move it toward the recommended range}. 

{How to Lower Indoor Humidity|Ways to Reduce Indoor Humidity|How to Bring Indoor Humidity Down}

{Dehumidification Systems|Home Dehumidifiers|Dehumidifiers and Whole-Home Humidity Control Systems}

Dehumidifiers {pull moisture from the|remove moisture from indoor|draw excess moisture out of the} air. Portable dehumidifiers are {useful for one room or problem area|helpful in a room or damp area|designed to control humidity in one room or a specific problem spot}, such as a basement. However, they {aren’t ideal for controlling humidity in your entire home|aren’t designed to remove humidity from your entire home|aren’t designed to treat the whole house}.  

On the other hand, whole-home {dehumidifiers|humidity control systems} {work alongside your HVAC system|operate with your HVAC system|integrate with your heating and cooling system} to {control|manage} moisture throughout {your|the} entire house. 

If you’re wondering how to lower humidity in your house, the right option {depends on your home’s size, humidity levels and HVAC system|will depend on your home’s size, moisture levels and HVAC equipment|will vary based on the size of your home, what your humidity levels are and your home’s HVAC system}. 

{Ventilation and Daily Habits|Everyday Habits and Ventilation|Daily Habits That Improve Ventilation and Lower Humidity}

Use bathroom exhaust fans after showers and kitchen {fans|range hoods} while cooking to {remove moisture at the source|vent moisture at its source|help remove moisture where it starts}. {Shorter showers|Taking shorter showers|Shortening shower time} can also reduce moisture. Ceiling fans help {circulate air|keep air moving|improve air circulation}, although they {don’t|do not} actually remove humidity. 

{HVAC Optimization|Optimizing Your HVAC System|Improving HVAC Performance}

Summer cooling systems like {AC units|air conditioning|air conditioners}, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits {naturally remove some humidity as they cool your home|remove some moisture from the air while cooling your home|help lower humidity as they cool indoor spaces}. However, they need to be {properly sized and maintained|correctly sized and regularly maintained|sized appropriately and kept in good working condition} in order to do the job effectively. 

For example, an oversized AC may {cool your home too quickly and shut off before removing enough moisture|cool your home rapidly and turn off before it can reduce humidity|reach the thermostat setting too quickly to remove sufficient moisture}. This short-cycling can leave the house {cool but damp|chilly but humid|cool while still feeling damp}. Proper sizing during air conditioning installation is {critical for effective humidity control|essential for managing indoor humidity|important for keeping moisture levels under control}. 

If your home’s cooling system isn’t {removing humidity like it should|controlling moisture effectively|lowering humidity enough}, it may be time to schedule AC, heat pump or mini-split maintenance services. Most experts recommend {seasonal HVAC maintenance|routine HVAC maintenance seasonally|regular seasonal heating and cooling maintenance} to keep your system working at peak efficiency: {cooling system maintenance in the spring and heating maintenance in the fall|spring maintenance for cooling and fall maintenance for heating|spring cooling tune-ups and fall heating tune-ups}. 

{How to Raise Indoor Humidity|Ways to Increase Humidity in A House|How to Bring Indoor Humidity Up}

{Humidification Systems|Systems for Adding Humidity|Home Humidifiers}

Portable humidifiers increase humidity in a house{, but only add moisture to small areas| by adding moisture to dry rooms| by increasing moisture in rooms or specific areas}. Evaporative models use a fan to {move air through a wet|push air through a damp|push air across a moist} filter or wick, while ultrasonic models use high-frequency vibrations to {produce|make|create} a fine mist. They’re {useful for individual rooms or smaller areas|well-suited to humidify single rooms or small spaces|helpful for adding moisture to individual rooms or part of your home}. 

If you’re wondering how to increase humidity in your whole house, consider whole-home bypass or fan-powered humidifiers. They {connect to your HVAC system|work with your heating and cooling system|integrate with your HVAC equipment} to add moisture as air circulates. These {are better suited to homes that need humidity control throughout the house|are a good option for homes requiring humidity control in multiple rooms|designed to control humidity throughout your entire home}. 

{Natural and Low-Tech Methods|Simple, Low-Tech Ways to Add Moisture|Everyday Ways for Increasing Home Humidity}

There are also {several easy|simple|some easy} ways to increase humidity in your house or apartment. {Air-drying laundry indoors|Drying clothes inside|Hanging laundry indoors to dry} adds moisture. So can {leaving shower doors open after bathing|keeping shower doors open after a shower|opening the shower doors once you’re finished bathing}. {Simmering or boiling water on the stove|Boiling or simmering water on the stovetop|Heating a pot of water on the stove} adds moisture to the air, and houseplants can {contribute a small amount as well|add a little moisture, too|also release a small amount of moisture}. 

{Need Help Reaching a Normal Humidity Level in Your Home? We Can Help|Need Help Achieving Normal Humidity Levels at Home? Call the Experts|Looking for Help Maintaining a Normal Humidity Level in Your Home? Our Experts Are Here to Help}.

Still wondering, what should the humidity be in my house in Des Moines? Strategic America {is here to help|can help you answer the question|can answer that question and provide solutions to your home humidity problems}. 

Finding the perfect humidity in your home {requires customized solutions for each situation|means treating every home differently|isn’t about making your humidity level the same as your neighbors}. It’s about {creating a system that keeps|keeping} moisture in a {healthy, comfortable range|comfortable and healthy range|in a range that’s comfortable and healthy}. It has to factor in the Des Moines climate, your home’s construction and {the needs of everyone who lives in the home|household members’ needs|your family’s unique needs}. 

Our experienced team will {assess your home humidity|evaluate your home’s humidity levels|check your indoor moisture levels}, investigate any issues and {recommend the right humidity control solution|suggest an appropriate humidity control option|help determine the best way to manage moisture} for your home. We also offer a wide range of other {heating and cooling|home comfort|HVAC} services, from air conditioning repair to {maintaining and installing|servicing and installing|installing and maintaining} energy-efficient heat pumps, furnaces and boilers. 

Contact us online or call 123-123-1234 today to learn more about our humidity control services and ways to {improve comfort throughout your home|make your home more comfortable|enjoy better comfort in every room}. 

Frequently Asked Questions About {Home Humidity|Indoor Humidity Levels| Indoor Humidity} 

{Is 50% Humidity in a Room Too High|Is 50% Indoor Humidity Too High for a Room|Should I Be Concerned About 50% Humidity in My Home}? 

No. Fifty percent indoor humidity is {typically|usually|generally} considered {a reasonable upper target for most homes|in the humidity range suggested by the EPA for most homes|within the suggested EPA guidelines for home humidity}. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% to help {control moisture and mold growth|manage moisture and reduce mold growth|limit excess moisture and discourage mold}. 

Is 60% Humidity {In A House Bad|Bad in a Home|Too High in a Home}?  

It can be. Relative humidity of 60% is {higher than the EPA’s recommended range|above the range recommended by the EPA|more than the EPA’s suggested humidity range}. However, {an RH of 60%|having 60% relative humidity} in your home doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem. But {consistently high humidity increases|humidity that stays above the recommended EPA range of 30% to 50% increases|prolonged high humidity above the EPA suggested range of 30% to 50% increase} the risk of condensation, mold, dust mites and other problems.  

{Will Mold Grow in 60% Humidity|Can Mold Grow at 60% Indoor Humidity|Does 60% Humidity Increase the Risk of Mold in My Home}? 

Mold {grows|can grow} when moisture {conditions are right|levels are higher}, and indoor RH around 60% {increases the risk|can raise the risk|makes mold growth more likely}. Keeping indoor humidity {levels lower than|below} 60%, and ideally between 30% and 50%, {helps reduce the risk of mold growth|can lower the chance of mold developing|helps limit conditions that encourage mold}. 

Is 30% {Indoor Humidity Too Low|Humidity Too Low for a Home|Home Humidity Too Low}?   

{It can be, but isn’t always|Not necessarily}. {Generally, 30% {RH|relative humidity} is on the low end of the {EPA’s recommended home humidity level|acceptable range according to the EPA|within the recommended range — although, it’s on the low end of the EPA guidelines}. If your home humidity drops below 30%, you may notice {dry skin, irritated airways, static electricity and shrinking or cracking wood|dry skin, respiratory irritation, static buildup and wood shrinkage or cracks|dry skin, irritated nasal passages, static shocks and shrinking or cracked wood}. 

{Does Having the AC on Reduce|Does Running the AC Lower|Can Air Conditioning Help Control} Humidity}? 

Usually, {it does|it can|yes}. Air conditioners {are designed to remove some moisture as they cool|pull some moisture from the air while cooling|reduce moisture levels as part of the cooling process}. However, {air conditioning|an AC system|your home AC} may not remove enough humidity if it is {too large for your home|oversized|too big for your home}. An AC that’s too big can {short cycle, or not run long enough to cool your home|start and stop frequently, and shut down before it can remove humidity from your home|short cycle, or start and stop frequently, without running the full cycle required to reduce home humidity}. 

What {Should Humidity Be in a House with AC On|Is the Ideal Humidity with Air Conditioning Running|Humidity Level Should I Maintain When My AC Is On}? 

{When the AC is running, most people find 30-50% relative humidity is a good target|A good target is generally 30% to 50% RH when your AC is running|A good range for indoor humidity when the AC is running is normally 30-50% RH}, with many homeowners finding {40-50% relative humidity|an RH of 40% to 50%} {comfortable during cooling season|comfortable in summer|pleasant during warmer months}.  

If your home is cool but still feels sticky, {check the humidity level before lowering the thermostat|first check your indoor humidity before cranking up your AC|check the moisture level before changing the temperature setting}.