If your home feels sticky, stuffy, or smells musty, excess humidity could be to blame. High indoor humidity does more than make your home uncomfortable. It can also affect your health, damage your furniture, and overwork your cooling system.
The good news? There are simple, effective ways to reduce indoor humidity, whether you’re dealing with seasonal moisture spikes or a year-round issue. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top strategies to lower humidity in your house. This guide also offers expert insights on when it’s time to call in professional help.
Signs Your Home Is Too Humid
According to the EPA, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. If you’re consistently above that, it’s time to take action. However, it can be difficult to tell if your home’s humidity is within this range or not. Here are a few common signs your home is too humid:
- Condensation on windows or walls
- A musty odor that doesn’t go away
- Mold or mildew in bathrooms, basements, or closets
- Peeling paint or warped wood
- Worsening allergy symptoms
Even if you don’t see these warning signs, investing in a digital hygrometer (humidity meter) is an easy way to get a clear reading and track your progress. You can also consider a smart thermostat, such as the Ecobee Smart Thermostat, which has a built-in hygrometer.
How to Reduce Humidity in Your House
There’s no catch-all solution for reducing humidity in your house. However, combining a few of the strategies below can dramatically reduce your house’s humidity, improving your comfort and indoor air quality.
1. Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is the most direct way to remove excess moisture from the air. You have two main options:
- Portable units: Great for single rooms or trouble spots like basements.
- Whole-house systems: Integrated into your HVAC system to manage humidity throughout your entire home automatically.
If you opt for a portable unit, use it in areas that regularly exceed 50% humidity or in rooms with poor ventilation. Keep it clean and well-maintained to ensure maximum performance.
2. Run Your Air Conditioner Properly
Air conditioners naturally remove moisture as they cool the air, but only when they’re working efficiently. To boost your AC’s humidity control:
- Change your air filter regularly (every 1–3 months)
- Schedule annual maintenance to keep coils clean and refrigerant levels optimized
- Avoid oversizing: A unit that’s too large cools too quickly without removing enough moisture
If your AC is running constantly and your home still feels humid, a professional assessment can help identify underlying issues.
3. Improve Ventilation
Ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup. Make sure your home has:
- Working exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- Attic ventilation to reduce heat and moisture accumulation
- Cross-ventilation in living spaces (open windows when conditions allow)
For homes with limited airflow, consider installing ventilation systems like energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), which exchange stale, humid air for fresh, filtered air.
4. Seal Air Leaks and Insulate
Warm, humid outdoor air can sneak into your home through tiny gaps or poorly insulated areas. To prevent this:
- Seal around windows, doors, and attic hatches
- Insulate ductwork, especially in crawlspaces or attics
- Weatherstrip doors and windows
Not only does this reduce humidity, but it can also lower your energy bills and improve overall HVAC performance.
5. Adjust Your Daily Habits
Sometimes, simple changes in behavior can make a big difference. Adjusting the following habits will noticeably affect your home’s humidity level:
- Use lids when cooking to trap steam
- Take shorter, cooler showers
- Run exhaust fans during and after moisture-generating activities
- Hang clothes outside instead of drying them indoors
- Avoid overwatering houseplants
Individually, these actions may seem small, but together, they can significantly reduce the moisture load in your home.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried the strategies above and still notice persistent humidity problems, it’s time to bring in an HVAC professional. Here’s what they can help with:
- Evaluating whether your HVAC system is properly sized
- Recommending or installing whole-home dehumidifiers
- Improving ductwork and insulation
- Suggesting indoor air quality upgrades like smart thermostats or air purifiers with humidity sensors
High humidity doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With the right approach, you can reclaim your comfort and breathe easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal indoor humidity level?
The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. Anything higher can encourage mold growth and make your home feel muggy. Anything lower can lead to dry skin and respiratory discomfort.
Does air conditioning reduce humidity?
Yes, air conditioning reduces humidity. A properly functioning AC pulls moisture from the air as it cools your home. However, if your system is old, oversized, or in need of maintenance, its ability to remove humidity may be limited.
What’s the fastest way to lower humidity indoors?
Running a portable dehumidifier in problem areas is often the quickest short-term fix. Long-term, improving ventilation and maintaining your HVAC system is key.
Can indoor plants affect humidity?
Yes, indoor plants affect humidity. Some plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. If you have many houseplants and your home feels humid, consider relocating some of them or choosing varieties that require less water.
Do ceiling fans help reduce humidity?
Ceiling fans don’t help reduce humidity, but they help you feel cooler by promoting airflow and evaporating sweat. They can complement other humidity-reducing strategies by improving comfort.
Take Control of Your Home’s Humidity
High indoor humidity can impact everything from your comfort to your health. Knowing how to decrease humidity in your house will help you create a drier, healthier, and more comfortable home.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to a qualified HVAC professional such as Deljo Heating & Cooling to assess your system and recommend humidity control solutions tailored to your space.
