How to Measure a Home's Humidity
It's important to monitor the humidity in your home throughout the year, especially during the winter and summer months. Harmful bacteria, mold and water damage are more likely if your humidity levels are too high. If your humidity levels are too dry, you may find yourself with electrical problems, dry skin, chapped lips and other problems. Relative humidity is defined as the percentage of aqueous vapor in the air at different temperatures. It's easy to measure with a hygrometer, though adjusting the humidity levels can be a bit more cumbersome. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Instructions
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Inspect your house for signs of humidity damage. Signs that your humidity levels are too high include water stains on walls, musty smell, condensation on windows and mold. If your humidity levels are too low you may experience static and sparks, breathing problems and dry skin.
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Purchase a hygrometer at any hardware store or home supplies store. There are two kinds of hygrometers, mechanical and electric. Both measure the relative humidity in the home with comparable accuracy, so it's up to you which one you buy. Ask the store attendant to make sure the hygrometer is properly calibrated.
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Set up the hygrometer in places where you want to measure the humidity. Humidity may vary depending on the area of the house. Basements tend to be particularly humid and susceptible to mold. Wait a few hours before taking the first reading because hygrometers need to get used to the room's conditions before working properly.
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Take a reading of the relative humidity after a few hours. This should be self-explanatory according to the particular model of hygrometer. Good humidity levels for outside temperatures above 20 degrees F are between 35 percent and 40 percent. You don't want to go any higher than 60 percent. This percentage should be lower for temperatures below 20 degrees F. If it is zero outside, for example, the ideal humidity reading would be about 25 percent.
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If your home is overly humid or dry, take steps to correct the problem. You may have to purchase a humidifier if it's too dry or an air conditioner if it's too humid. You may also be able to correct the problem by remembering to open and close windows according to the outside temperature or by weatherizing the house.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to calibrate your hygrometer at least once a year to get accurate readings.
Mold and mildew are potentially serious health risks. If you notice your humidity levels are very high and smell mold, act immediately to correct the problem.
