Well, the optimum indoor range is around 35% relative humidity, but 30% to 40% tends to work best for many homes. If you go above this level, condensation on the windows can occur, breeding mold that leads to allergy and respiratory problems.
Dust mites, the leading cause of allergies, thrive in as little as 50% relative humidity. Allergens like molds thrive in relative humidity conditions above 60%, leading to a variety of ailments including asthma, allergies and respiratory infections.
Too little humidity on the other hand, can lead to dry nose and throat, dry skin, and static electricity, which can also ruin electronic devices such as computers, VCR’s, and DVD players.
Maintaining proper and consistent humidity is also important for the wood inside your home; flooring, doors, and even pianos can shrink, crack, and warp if not properly humidified.
Energy savings is another benefit of keeping the proper humidity level. You will actually feel warmer and more comfortable in humidified air, so you can turn your thermostat down about 2 degrees (saving money), and still feel just as warm. Seriously, it works!
