
Energy Efficient Windows
Ideal Home Humidity: What Should the Humidity Be in the House?
Maintaining a healthy living environment can be quite difficult, especially in Canada, where we often experience temperature fluctuations. One of the most important things that homeowners should pay attention to in this regard is the relative indoor humidity. Keeping it within the recommended range helps prevent health problems and maintain the home's structural integrity.
Therefore, what should the humidity be in the house? The short answer is that you should keep indoor humidity between 30% and 60%. If you want to learn more about this, read on!
Key Takeaways
- Ideal indoor humidity levels range from 30% to 50%, although some other sources mention 40%-60%. Either way, it's not recommended to keep them below 30% (unless it's extremely cold outside) or above 60% to prevent health issues and damage to home materials.
- If humidity levels are below 30%, you may develop allergic reactions, respiratory conditions, and even nosebleeds. Wood furniture may start cracking when exposed to dry air.
- If humidity levels are above 60%, which is common in humid climates, you may develop respiratory issues, health conditions related to mold growth, and allergy symptoms. Your home's structural integrity may become compromised if you do not maintain optimal humidity levels.
- You can measure humidity with a hygrometer and use humidifiers/dehumidifiers to regulate indoor humidity. Don't forget to check whether your windows and doors are properly insulated, as they can also increase/decrease humidity.
What Is the Best Humidity Level for a Home?

Generally, it is recommended to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. However, other studies confirm that keeping them between 40% and 60% is better. Either way, both ranges are comfortable for most people and help prevent the growth of mold, which thrives in high-humidity environments.
Ultimately, the ideal humidity range depends on several factors, including seasonal changes, outdoor air temperatures, and even personal preferences.
For example, if you live in a region with very cold winters, you may have to keep indoor humidity below 30%. If your home is humid and it's very cold outside, the inside surfaces of your windows, walls, and roof may be cold too, especially if insulation isn't perfect. When the warm, moist air inside meets these cooler surfaces, condensation will form inside. This can cause:
- Water pooling on window sills
- Mold growth around window frames
- Damage inside walls, attics, or insulation
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
So, for instance, when outdoor temperatures are between 0°F to 25°F, you should keep indoor humidity between 30% and 40%. If outdoor temperatures drop to -20˚F, you should keep indoor humidity at around 20-30%.
Moreover, don't forget about what house area we're talking about. For instance, you may want to keep basement humidity levels lower than in the rest of the house. Basements are much more prone to excess humidity and mold growth, so it's important to pay special attention to this area.
Effects of Low Indoor Humidity
If your home's relative humidity is lower than 30%, it can affect your well-being and cause various health issues, including:
- Skin irritation
- Nosebleeds
- Allergic reactions
- Sore throat
- Respiratory conditions
- Dry skin
- Chapped lips
- Increased susceptibility to colds
Furthermore, low humidity also leads to static electricity buildup and can cause the wood in your house to crack. Even your plants may dry out faster than usual.
Effects of High Indoor Humidity

When indoor relative humidity levels exceed 60%, your may start feeling uncomfortable in your home, indoor air quality may decrease, and there may be visible signs of moisture damage.
Excess humidity indoors can lead to:
- Proliferation of dust mites
- Respiratory issues
- Heightened asthma or allergy symptoms
- Health issues associated with the inhalation of mold spores
Moreover, high indoor humidity can cause structural damage and other issues, including:
- Condensation on windows and walls
- Rotting of framing, roofing, and flooring
- Unsightly stains on walls and ceilings, indicating mold growth
- Warping or rotting of wood furniture and even objects like musical instruments
- Damage to paint, wallpaper, and insulation
- Compromised structural integrity
- Musty odors
- Pest infestation
How to Monitor Indoor Humidity
To maintain a comfortable humidity level, you first need to measure it, and that's where a hygrometer can help.
A hygrometer is a small, affordable device that measures relative humidity in the air. In this regard, we should mention the difference between absolute humidity and relative humidity. Absolute humidity measures the amount of actual water vapor in the air, while relative humidity measures how much moisture is in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a certain temperature.
Many hygrometer models also include temperature readings as well as smart features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so you can track humidity data from your phone.
You can place hygrometers in different rooms, focusing particularly on areas where humidity tends to fluctuate, like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
Tips to Control Humidity in Your Home

Once you know your home's humidity levels, you can take the necessary steps to adjust them as needed. Below, you'll find more details about both scenarios.
If Humidity Is Too Low
If there is too little humidity in your house (this is often common during colder months and in dry climates), you'll need a humidifier.
Portable humidifiers add moisture to the air and work perfectly for individual rooms. You can also install whole-house humidifiers, which are attached to your HVAC system. Whole-home humidifiers are ideal if dry indoor air is a problem throughout the house.
You can also keep houseplants, as they naturally increase humidity, air-dry laundry indoors, and even leave the bathroom door open while showering.
And don't forget about sealing any cracks around windows and doors or replacing them if they're old or poorly insulated. During the winter months, the air is colder and drier, and it can enter your house through poorly insulated windows and doors.
If Humidity Is Too High
If house humidity levels are too high, you should turn the other way around - buy a dehumidifier. Just like with humidifiers, you can go for portable units or whole-home models for top humidity control.
Another extremely important thing to keep in mind is that ventilation is extremely important in removing excessive moisture from inside your house. This is why you should open your windows regularly to let fresh air in and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, especially after taking a shower or cooking.
Air conditioners can help as well. Air conditioning units naturally remove some excess moisture as they cool the indoor air. Just make sure your system is well-maintained and its filters are clean.
Last but not least, if you suspect any water leaks, you should fix these as soon as possible to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Other Key Things to Know About Indoor Humidity
Because much of Canada experiences long, cold winters and some regions are quite humid in spring and summer, indoor humidity needs to be carefully managed. Therefore, here are some other helpful tips you need to consider in this regard:
- Triple-pane or well-insulated windows help reduce cold surfaces, lowering the risk of condensation. If your windows are old, consider replacing them.
- HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) are popular in Canadian homes. They help balance humidity by bringing in fresh outdoor air and exhausting stale indoor air while recovering heat to maintain energy efficiency.
- Use humidity-absorbing materials like charcoal briquettes, baking soda, or desiccant packs.
- Everyday activities like boiling water, drying clothes indoors, and overwater plants can increase humidity, so make sure to keep these in check.
- Inspect your HVAC systems regularly, as they can sometimes contribute to excessive moisture.
- Insulate cold surfaces indoors if needed.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean to prevent high humidity in the basement.
Furthermore, don't forget that many health conditions require individuals to inhabit homes with specific humidity levels. For example, people suffering from dry eyes should maintain humidity levels between 40-50%. If the relative humidity drops below 40%, they will start feeling discomfort and pain.
Why Energy-Efficient, Well-Insulated Windows Matter for Indoor Humidity

Maintaining proper indoor humidity isn't just about humidifiers and dehumidifiers. It’s also about how well your home retains and manages temperature and moisture. One often overlooked factor is the quality of your windows.
Windows are one of the primary surfaces where indoor air meets cold (or hot) outdoor temperatures. If your windows are poorly insulated or outdated (like single-pane models), they become cold surfaces in winter. When warm, moist indoor air touches those surfaces, condensation forms, which can lead to:
- Mold growth around window frames
- Rotting wood and structural damage
- Uncomfortable indoor air quality
This is why energy-efficient, well-insulated windows help maintain a more consistent surface temperature inside your home. This means there's a reduced risk of condensation, even when humidity is within the ideal range (40–50%). It also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, which stabilizes both temperature and humidity levels throughout the year.
Why Magic Windows Are Ideal for Canadian Homes
Magic windows and doors are particularly well-suited for Canadian homes, where long winters and extreme outdoor temperatures can make humidity control a real challenge. Here’s why:
- Advanced insulation technology: Magic uses cutting-edge multi-pane glass and energy-efficient framing systems that reduce heat transfer and eliminate cold spots.
- Built-in ventilation features: select models come with integrated retractable solar shades and thermal blinds, which effectively minimize unwanted airflow.
- Superior airtight seals: these prevent drafts and moisture infiltration, which can otherwise throw off your indoor humidity and increase energy costs.
- Canadian climate design: Magic windows are designed specifically for Canadian homes and are energy-efficient year-round.
Want to learn more about our innovative technologies? Book a free consultation with us and see the magic for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will mold grow at 55 humidity?
Mold may start growing at 55% humidity, and it will thrive at 60% humidity. This is why it is generally recommended to keep indoor relative humidity between 40% and 50%.
Is 65 humidity too high in a house?
65% humidity is too high in a house, as it can cause mold growth, respiratory issues, and structural damage.
Why is indoor humidity important for my health?
Maintaining proper indoor humidity is crucial for your health as it helps prevent dry skin, respiratory issues, and the transmission of viruses and bacteria. Ensuring balanced humidity levels contributes to a healthier living environment.
How can I measure indoor humidity levels?
To measure indoor humidity levels accurately, use a hygrometer, which will give you precise readings of the air's moisture content. This tool is essential for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
How can I regulate humidity in my home?
To effectively regulate humidity in your home, utilize humidifiers and dehumidifiers, ensure proper ventilation, and enhance air circulation. Consider upgrading to a whole-home humidity control system for optimal moisture management and replacing poorly insulated windows and doors.