Barometer showing very low humidity in winter

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bazzadarambler/

Every winter, we hear our customers complain that the air inside of their homes feels cold and dry. Before you blame your heater, read our other blog post about whether or not your furnace causes low humidity in winter. Then, if you are still suffering from low home humidity, continue reading to discover our tips on how to improve your home’s humidity this winter season.

Can I Increase My Home’s Humidity Levels?

The short answer – yes, you can! There are several ways to increase home humidity in winter, some of which are fairly cheap (or even free). We’ve compiled a list of our favorite ways to add moisture to the air without breaking the bank, but also increasing the value of your home.

  • Upgrade your windows and doors. Even something as simple as adding new weather stripping can cut down on the amount of humidity leaking out of your home – and prevent the cold, dry air coming in.
  • Purchase a humidifier. This can help you to keep your home at a comfortable humidity level – even if you just purchase a small unit for your bedroom. You can turn it on at night and hopefully prevent yourself from waking up due to dry nasal passages or other discomforts.
  • Purchase an indoor weather meter. A simple weather station will help you to keep track of indoor and outdoor temperatures, as well as humidity levels. Keep your humidity levels between 25 and 50 percent for maximum comfort during the winter.
  • Don’t use your bathroom fan. Every time you take a shower or bath, you are adding moisture to the air. Instead of running your bathroom fan, which sucks the moisture out of the house and outdoors, use a standard room fan to push the moist air into the rest of your home. This is a cheap way to increase your home humidity this winter.
  • Hang wet towels and clothes to dry indoors. Wet clothing items will let water into the air as they dry, meaning you get more humidity in your home and you don’t have to pay a dime to dry your clothes.
  • Leave a vase of water near your heating vent. As the water evaporates, it adds humidity to the air. Consider leaving a few decorative water-filled containers around the different rooms in your home.
  • Get houseplants. Not only are houseplants pretty, but they will clean your air while also adding humidity to your home. Water them regularly to ensure they stay healthy.
  • Let your bathwater cool before draining. As the water cools, it will release water particles into the air. Wait to drain the tub until the water is completely cooled off.
  • Use your stovetop. Cooking and boiling on your stovetop is another great way to increase your home’s humidity – and you’ll also be prepping delicious meals. Kill two birds with one stone and be economical, too.

Does Improving Home Humidity Cost a Fortune?

As you might have noticed from the list above, there are some options that don’t cost a single dime. And those options that do cost money (such as purchasing a humidifier or upgrading your windows) will also increase the value of your home and greatly improve your comfort. Improving home humidity in winter doesn’t have to be painful – in fact, we think it can be quite easy if you follow our helpful tips above.