Key takeaways
- Many people are comfortable between roughly 30 and 50 percent humidity.
- Summer humidity is controlled by right-sized, longer-running air conditioning and, if needed, a dehumidifier.
- Winter humidity may need a humidifier, controlled by a humidistat.
- Too much or too little moisture affects comfort, health and the house.
Why summers feel sticky
Nashville summers are hot and humid. An air conditioner removes moisture only while it runs, so a system that is too large cools the air fast and shuts off before it dries it. Leaks, damp crawlspaces and unsealed ducts add more moisture.
A hygrometer, which costs very little, shows your actual humidity. Staying under roughly 50 to 55 percent in summer helps prevent musty smells and mold.
Dehumidify the right way
Start with the cause: sizing, duct leaks, crawlspace moisture and drain problems. A variable-speed system or a dedicated whole-home dehumidifier can then hold humidity steady, even in mild, damp weather.
A drier house feels cooler, so you can often raise the thermostat a degree or two without losing comfort.
Winter and dry air
Heating dries indoor air. Dry skin, static and cracking wood point to humidity that is too low. A whole-home humidifier adds moisture to the air, and a humidistat keeps it from overshooting.
In very cold weather, keep humidity a little lower to avoid condensation on windows.
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Quick answers
What humidity should my home be?
Roughly 30 to 50 percent works for most people, with a bit lower in very cold weather.
Do portable dehumidifiers work?
They help in a single room. A whole-home unit handles the entire house automatically.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.