The humidity in living spaces plays a central role in our comfort and health. But what happens when this important component of the indoor climate becomes unbalanced? Excessive humidity can not only cause discomfort but also promote mould growth and cause health problems.
This article sheds light on the importance of a balanced indoor climate and provides valuable tips on how to effectively control and regulate humidity. From identifying the causes to recommended values for a healthy indoor climate, to practical solutions such as the use of a dehumidifier - here you will find comprehensive answers to the question of how to create an optimal living environment.
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour in the air. It is measured as relative humidity in percent and indicates how much water vapour the air contains compared to the maximum possible amount at a certain temperature. Air can absorb more water vapour at higher temperatures than at lower temperatures.
Too low humidity can lead to dry mucous membranes, irritated eyes and skin problems, among other things. On the other hand, too high humidity can promote the growth of moulds, which can cause health problems.
According to the Federal Environment Agency, the humidity in indoor spaces should ideally be between 30 and 65%.*1 This range is considered optimal as it creates a healthy and comfortable indoor climate that is well suited for both our bodies and living spaces.
High humidity in indoor spaces can be attributed to various factors:
Breathing and sweat
The human body continuously releases moisture, both through breathing and sweating. In a closed room, this can gradually increase the humidity.
Cooking and showering
Activities such as cooking and showering can also contribute to increasing humidity. Water vapour produced during cooking or showering can accumulate in the air and increase humidity.
Plants
Indoor plants contribute to increasing humidity in indoor spaces through transpiration. They absorb water through their roots and release it through their leaves into the surrounding air.
Ventilation
If rooms are not sufficiently, incorrectly, or ventilated at the wrong time of day, especially in conjunction with temperature, this can lead to increased humidity. This can allow moisture to penetrate from outside into the living spaces and not be effectively released to the outside.
Water leaks and draughts
Leaky pipes and windows or leaks in the roof can allow moisture to enter indoor spaces and contribute to increased humidity.
Insulation
In well-insulated flats, high humidity can also occur. The moisture produced in the living space can only escape poorly through the walls.
External influences
In some regions, the humidity outside the buildings is already high. In addition to the region, the weather plays a major role here. During long periods of rain, humidity also increases. If you ventilate when the humidity outside is high, the moist air quickly enters your own flat.
A hygrometer is a practical device used to measure humidity and room temperature in your living area. It allows you to monitor the current conditions in your home and adjust them if necessary. The hygrometer is easy to use and can be placed in various locations in the house. It is particularly useful in rooms where humidity can fluctuate greatly, such as the bathroom, kitchen or basement.
Ventilation is key when you want to reduce humidity. Through shock ventilation, an effective air exchange takes place in a very short time: Fresh air enters the indoor spaces and stale air goes outside. For this, the windows are opened as wide as possible for 5 – 20 minutes. It is best to open opposite windows. Cross-ventilation creates a draught and the air exchange is particularly quick.
In summer, it is best to ventilate early in the morning and late in the evening when the outside temperatures are lower. Here, it is recommended to ventilate for about 20 minutes.
In winter, 5 – 10 minutes are enough. In winter, the cold, dry outside air enters the house, warms up and then absorbs the existing moisture from the indoor air, which reduces the relative humidity in the room. Short shock ventilation prevents the walls and furniture from cooling down too much, which saves energy and prevents mould growth. Therefore, you should avoid keeping windows permanently tilted in winter and during the heating period.
You should always ventilate when more water vapour is produced in the living space.
Ventilating the cellar in summer
If you want to ventilate your cellar, you should only do this in summer in the mornings or on colder summer days. If the outside air is warmer than the usually cool cellar air, moisture can get inside. As a result, there can be increased humidity and mould growth.
Dehumidifiers are devices that help improve the indoor climate by removing excess moisture from the air. For example, with a condensation dryer, a dehumidifier reduces humidity by sucking in moist air, cooling it on a cold evaporator surface to condense the moisture, and then catching the water from the air in a container or draining it directly. The dry air is heated and returned to the room.
The relationship between room temperature and humidity is closely linked and significantly influences the indoor climate. Warm air can absorb more moisture than cold air. When the temperature in the room drops, the air's ability to hold moisture decreases. In colder months, increasing the room temperature can help reduce humidity by allowing the air to absorb more moisture, reducing the risk of condensation and mould.In warmer months, when indoor spaces are usually cooler than the outside temperature, ventilating brings in the warmer outside air and the moisture with it.
The Federal Environment Agency recommends different room temperatures for the various living spaces:
By avoiding sources of steam, you tackle the problem at its root. For example, when cooking, you can make sure to use a lid. Avoid long and too hot showers, as this creates less humidity. You should dry your laundry outside if possible.
Placing flat bowls with coarse salt is a simple and inexpensive trick to reduce the humidity in a room. Salt has hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. This method is useful in small or less well-ventilated rooms. For larger rooms or very high humidity, the salt alone will not be enough.
If the humidity in your home is too high, it can have a number of negative impacts.
Health Problems
Excessive humidity creates an ideal environment for the growth of mould, bacteria, and dust mites. On a health level, prolonged excessive humidity can cause respiratory problems and trigger and exacerbate symptoms of asthma and allergies.
Damage to Home and Furniture
In addition, high humidity can also cause significant damage to your home. Moisture can penetrate walls and ceilings and lead to mould formation. This can weaken the structure of your house and require costly repairs. Moreover, wooden furniture and other household items can swell or rot.
Living Comfort
Last but not least, excessive humidity can also lead to a loss of living comfort. It can feel stuffy and uncomfortable, especially in the summer months. You might find that your clothes and bedding feel damp and that sleeping becomes difficult. Additionally, high humidity can also lead to unpleasant odours.
*1 https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/publikation/long/2885.pdf
Beurer Healthguide
This advice page was made by Beurer GmbH and is intended to help you feel healthy and happy all round.
The content of the Healthguide is intended to provide assistance and information and can in no way replace the advice of a doctor.
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