Increase Indoor Humidity: How to Create a Healthy Indoor Climate

What is the optimal humidity level?

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour in the air. The optimal humidity level isn’t a fixed number – it varies depending on the room, season and environment. At a temperature of 20°C (68°F), 50% is considered ideal. Anything below 40% is considered dry air, and anything above 60% is considered humid air. 

Ideal humidity levels by room

• Living Room: 40-60% 

• Bedroom & Children’s Room: 40-60% 

• Bathroom: 50-70% 

• Kitchen: 50-60% 

How to tell if you need to increase humidity indoors

You can measure the humidity in your home using a hygrometer. Humidity levels vary depending on the time of day or activity in the room, so it’s best to take readings over several days to get an accurate picture of the humidity and determine whether you need to increase it.  

Why is optimal indoor humidity important?

Humidity, like temperature, affects your comfort. It’s also crucial for your health – overly humid air can lead to mould, while dry air increases the risk of colds. It even impacts the lifespan of your furniture and your home.

Why is the air in your home drier in winter?

Dry air is especially common in winter. Here’s why: 

• Cold air holds less moisture. Since outdoor air is dry, airing out doesn’t bring in more humidity. 

• Less vegetation in winter means less moisture released into the air by plants. 

• Heating increases temperature but not humidity, creating a dry indoor climate. 

Effects of dry indoor air

If humidity stays below 30% for a long time, it’s considered critical. You might notice dry air if you get small electric shocks when touching metal objects. That’s a clear sign to increase humidity. Another sign is waking up with a scratchy throat, especially if you or your children sleep with your mouth open and don’t use a humidifier. 

What happens to your body and home with low humidity?

Low humidity can cause several problems for your body and home. The most important concern is that dry air promotes colds, as viruses survive longer in low humidity. Dry mucous membranes are more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria, making them a breeding ground for illness. Other consequences include:

For your body:

• Increased susceptibility to colds

• Dry mucous membranes 

• Coughing

• Congested airways 

• Headaches and fatigue

• Irritated eyes 

• Itchy, flaky skin

For your home:

• Wooden floors and furniture may warp 

• Leather sofas may crack 

• Wooden doors and drywall may deform 

How to increase humidity indoors

While you can reduce humidity by opening a window, increasing humidity requires technology. The easiest and most controlled way to boost humidity is by using a humidifier. Dyson humidifiers create a healthy indoor climate by circulating hygienic water vapour around your space.  

The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool™ PH04 Formaldehyde Purifying humidifying fan is an air purifier, humidifier and fan in one. It improves air quality in several steps: it increases humidity, filters pollutants, allergens, and viruses with a HEPA H13 filter.1 The Air Multiplier™ technology distributes the humidified air throughout the room,2 and you can monitor humidity in real time using the MyDyson™ app. 

Home remedies to increase humidity

Water bowl on the radiator

Place a bowl of water on the radiator. As it evaporates, it increases humidity.

Open doors

Shower and cook with doors open so the moisture spreads to other rooms. 

Add houseplants

Plants are an effective natural remedy to increase humidity and improve air quality. They absorb water through their roots and release it into the air. 

Increase indoor humidity with Dyson

Humidity below 40% is considered dry and stressful for the body. To stay healthy during the colder seasons, maintain optimal humidity. Home remedies like water bowls and plants help, but the most convenient solution is an expertly engineered humidifier that can measure and increase humidity precisely.