How to Measure Inside Humidity
If the humidity inside your home is either too low or too high, problems can arise. Low humidity can cause static electricity or dry skin, hair and nasal passages. It can also help flu germs spread, according to US News & World Report. High humidity in the air can cause dust mite and mold growth, and also attract insects and pests, according to The Weather Channel. That's why you should measure your home's indoor humidity and make any needed adjustments with a humidifier or dehumidifier.
Instructions
-
-
1
Buy a mechanical or electronic hygrometer at a local hardware or home improvement store. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to calibrate the hygrometer. To learn more about calibration, read "How to Calibrate a Hygrometer" under Resources.
-
2
Place the hygrometer in the room where you notice the low or high humidity problem the most. Hygrometers can be moved from room to room to measure indoor humidity in different areas.
-
-
3
Check the hygrometer in two hours. This gives it enough time to provide an accurate reading. Digital hygrometers give a digital readout of the percentage of humidity in the air along with a word such as "comfortable," "wet" or "dry."
Read an analog hygrometer by checking the dial. Whatever number the arrow points to--the range is from zero to 100--is the percentage of humidity in the air. The inside humidity should be between 50 and 55 percent to be comfortable, according to Inspect NY.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Never put a hygrometer near a source of direct heat such as by a furnace register, chimney, woodstove or fireplace.
