How Do You Lower Humidity in Your Home?

To lower humidity in your home, start by moving moist air out and keeping new moisture from building up. Run exhaust fans when you shower and cook, fix leaks, vent your dryer outdoors, use air conditioning in warm weather and consider a dehumidifier for damp spaces like basements. Many homes feel most comfortable with indoor humidity somewhere around 30 to 50 percent. An inexpensive hygrometer lets you measure your levels so you know whether your efforts are working.

High humidity is more than a comfort issue. Over time, it can lead to musty odors, condensation and conditions where mold and dust mites thrive.

Signs your home is too humid

You may not need a measuring device to suspect a problem. Common signs include:

• Condensation on windows, mirrors or cold water pipes.
• A musty or damp smell, especially in basements or closets.
• Sticky or clammy air, even when the temperature seems fine.
• Peeling paint or wallpaper.
• Warped wood, such as doors that stick or floors that cup.
• Spots of mildew on walls, ceilings, grout or fabrics.
• Damp-feeling bedding or towels that take a long time to dry.

Measure before you act

A hygrometer is a small, inexpensive device that shows relative humidity. Many digital thermometers include one. Place it in the main living area and in problem spots like the basement or bathroom, and check readings at different times of day and in different seasons.

Humidity often rises in summer and in homes with poor ventilation, and it can spike after cooking, showering or drying laundry indoors.

Where indoor moisture comes from

Everyday activities release a surprising amount of water vapor:

• Showers and baths.
• Cooking, especially boiling and simmering.
• Drying clothes indoors or using an unvented dryer.
• Houseplants and aquariums.
• Breathing and sweating, especially in crowded rooms.
• Leaks from pipes, roofs or windows.
• Groundwater seeping into basements and crawl spaces.
• Humid outdoor air entering through open windows or gaps.

Practical ways to lower humidity

1. Use exhaust fans

Run bathroom fans during showers and for about 20 to 30 minutes afterward. Use the range hood when cooking. Make sure fans vent outdoors rather than into the attic.

2. Run your air conditioner

Air conditioners remove moisture as they cool. Keep filters clean so the system works efficiently. An oversized unit that cycles on and off quickly may cool without removing much moisture, which a technician can evaluate.

3. Use a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air and collect it in a tank or send it to a drain. They are especially useful in basements, laundry rooms and other damp spaces.

Tips for using one:

• Choose a size suited to the room and how damp it is.
• Set it to a target humidity, often around 45 to 50 percent.
• Keep doors and windows closed while it runs.
• Empty the tank regularly or use a continuous drain hose.
• Clean the filter according to the manual.

4. Ventilate strategically

When the outdoor air is drier than indoor air, opening windows can help. On hot, humid days, keeping windows closed and running air conditioning usually works better.

5. Vent the clothes dryer outdoors

Make sure your dryer exhausts to the outside and the vent is clear. Avoid drying large loads of laundry on racks indoors when humidity is already high.

6. Fix leaks quickly

Repair dripping faucets, leaking pipes and roof leaks. Check under sinks and around appliances regularly.

7. Manage water around the foundation

• Keep gutters clean and downspouts directed away from the house.
• Make sure soil slopes away from the foundation.
• Seal cracks in basement walls and floors where practical.

8. Cover crawl spaces

Bare soil in a crawl space releases moisture. A vapor barrier over the ground can help, and some homes benefit from crawl space encapsulation, which is best discussed with a professional.

9. Reduce moisture sources

• Cover pots when cooking.
• Take slightly shorter or cooler showers.
• Move some houseplants outdoors or group them in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid leaving wet towels and clothes in piles.

10. Improve air circulation

Ceiling fans and portable fans help move air and can reduce damp pockets. Keep furniture slightly away from exterior walls, and leave closet doors open occasionally to air them out.

Room-by-room tips

Bathrooms

Run the fan, squeegee shower walls and hang towels to dry fully. Wash bath mats regularly.

Kitchens

Use the range hood, cover pots and wipe up spills and standing water.

Basements

A dehumidifier is often the most effective tool. Avoid storing items in cardboard boxes directly on the floor, and use plastic bins instead.

Bedrooms and closets

Avoid overstuffing closets so air can circulate. Moisture-absorbing products can help in small enclosed spaces.

When to call a professional

Consider getting help if:

• Humidity stays high despite your efforts.
• You see recurring mold growth on walls or ceilings.
• Water enters the basement during rain.
• You suspect hidden leaks inside walls or ceilings.
• Your air conditioner does not seem to dehumidify well.

An HVAC technician, waterproofing specialist or home inspector can help identify the underlying cause. If anyone in your home has breathing concerns or allergies that seem worse indoors, it is also a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional.

The bottom line

Lowering indoor humidity comes down to removing moist air and limiting new moisture. Use exhaust fans, run air conditioning, fix leaks, manage water outside and add a dehumidifier where dampness lingers. Measure your levels with a hygrometer so you can see progress and keep your home comfortable and fresh.