What is the Best Humidity for Your Home

Are you concerned with your homes humidity levels and wanting to know the optimal humidity levels? Humidity affects so much in the home. It can make mold grow, increase dust mites, cause nose bleeds and more. Learning what relative humidity levels are best and also what settings your humidifier and dehumidifier should be is important to improve your indoor air quality.
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[@1ronhall]

Mike, you do a great job with all of your videos. Thank you for all the information you share. You have taught me a thing or two! All the best!

[@Sobrien724]

Based on your recommendation I bought a Aprilaire 1850 last summer. I moved it today from the somewhat finished part of the basement to the dirt crawl space (no vents). I’ll get the crawl space encapsulated or a vapor barrier when I can afford it. And I have to regrade the north end of the house to get the dirt below the foundation top.

[@10rice88]

Great video, have run a 70 pint big box store dehumidifier in our 1000sqft basement and does a good job at keeping humidity at 45% however the units only seem to last about a year on average. Have an Aprilaire humidifier we run during the winter months that works great. This video was very helpful, now realize I can bump the setting up to 50% on the dehumidifier.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

The box dehumidifiers are meant to be ran that hard, but they do work.

[@williamkaczmarek3996]

This! Was an extremely useful video. Thanks so much for the information. I just wish I'd have found it earlier than now.

[@RonRova]

EXACTLY what I needed to know! Thanks!!

[@tricia8727]

I have been searching for info. on correct humidifier settings for the last year with conflicting recommendations. This video is EXACTLY what I have been looking for! Thank you Crawlspace Ninjas and Aprilaire! I hope to get a steam humidifier from them soon!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FredEaker]

I am running a 90-pint dehumidifier in the crawl space set at ~50%. I have ThermoPro hydrometers in two locations in the crawl, near the door (which is close to the dehu) and at the far end of the crawl. Readings are no more than 3-4% delta. I also have a consumer-grade dehu near the middle of my 1,600 sq ft ranch, for those times between seasons when it is too cool to run the AC but also a bit too humid. Also keep a hydrometer in the attic near the brick fireplace flue where there has been some history of water intrusion. BTW - Huge fan of Crawl Space Ninja and Michael Church. Love the videos and I learn so much. Keep up the great work!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you. I am truly humbled by the success of our channel thanks to such great people like you. Thank you so much for watching.

[@TomBlake-zw8ge]

I just had my water heater explode in my crawl space and was running for 14 days. I have been watching so many of your videos and learned so much today. Though this is going to be a expensive, I now feel better about dealing with restoration contractors. Great job!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Happy to help! Let us know how else we can!

[@ibbones]

Enjoy your videos. I am using a portable 70 pints per day unit set at 45% and hope it gets the whole house. I have to dump the bucket out two to three times a day

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Its a good start, you might look into a more sturdy dehu. diy.crawlspaceninja.com/product/aprilaire-1820-dehumidifier/

[@brianperiod]

We're just sitting tight til August for our encapsulation work to begin. Can't wait to experience the difference! I love the graphic and explanation for humidity settings. As always, thank you for the content you make.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

we are eager to start the project also! thanks for being patient through the process!

[@davidmanilla6843]

Thanks Michael I've been keeping my alorair dehumidifier I recently purchased at 55% and it usually keeps the humidity in my crawl space right around 55 unless there's a heavy storm but I think keeping it 50 in the summer time would even be better I also am installing my plastic,tape,fasteters,and 2" butyl I bought from the ninja ninja store and things are going well.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Sounds good!

[@seth3878]

Is there a specific temperature where you don't mind if it surpasses 60%? I've noticed the Aprilaire in our crawlspace does a splendid job after encapsulation especially in the warmer months. we can easily be around 43% consistently if we aren't careful with setting it. I know Relative Humidity tends to creep up as temps drop. We live in michigan, and when it is just starting to get frost, it is cooler than the summer months in our crawl. I tend to blast the dehumidifier to keep relative humidity around 53-59%. Am I missing something? Great channel by the way. We bought all of your products when we overhauled our crawlspace. Keep up the good work! God Bless.

[@yoblob34]

I had my settings almost opposite of what you said and we had water on the windows black mold in the vents thank you for giving me this information

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We're glad we could help! Thanks for watching! Have a happy and blessed day.

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

Your comment really scared me. Thanks for sharing. I feel relived that I don't have that.

[@shieldmaidenforchrist1310]

It is so hard to get the humidity down in the WINTER in Norther Oregon, especially in a small house. Every time it rains it's clammy damp inside, finally broke down and bought a dehumidifier because I was tired of being so cold even when it wasn't actually cold inside, 65% humidity indoors for days is so gross, can't keep my fingers warm if I'm not constantly moving.

[@PabloFontan-r4i]

This was very helpful, I will set my dehumidifier at 50%, I live in Lakeland, FL, and I have a G. I. Joe room with all my 1960 and 1970 action figures. Thank you!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Haha sounds like a great collection! Try to go for 45-50% to keep it within variable range!

[@setts7]

We're running a dehumidifier @ 50% with a homemade covering over our crawlspace vent, Lol. We are clueless about this stuff, that's why we watch you.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you for watching. Dehumidifier is a great investment. Do you have a vapor barrier installed? Let us know if you have any questions.

[@dlarricksmith]

Good Info, I didn't know what I didn't know!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Glad to hear it!

[@x23ange]

Currently the only thing we can do at the moment is watch Crawl Space Ninja Videos. 👍👍 Our next project is to DIY encapsulate the crawl with everything we’ve learned from Mr Church. Our crawl runs 75-80% and we run 2 dehu’s 24/7 in our living spaces. It’s basically impossible to keep the house below 50%. We could use that 1820 😉😉

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you. So sorry your having such a hard time controlling humidity. Here is the link to the video for more information on registering to win the Aprilaire 1820 dehumidifier. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXbGgnSerNd6lbs

[@ryancarson5201]

You can do it!

[@killercricketman]

I can't wait for the Aprilaire give away.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We can't either! Don't forget to share this video and have your friends and family like and comment! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXbGgnSerNd6lbs

[@bjall4jc]

I have a portable Dehumidifier running 24-7. It doesn't always keep up, but it sticks around 60 to 65%. I want it down to the 50% mark all the time.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

That's good that it's able to keep it that low, but having it around 50% would be much better.

[@bb2status]

My dehumidifier is set to 40% and it keeps my basement around 45-50%. It also runs 24-7 during summer.

[@vapeking466]

I actually use 2 oil diffusers without oil just water as a way to help raise humidity as the electric heater really dries the air. This is probably not as good as a humidifier but does actually help quite a bit. I'm at 37% humidity now however I may get a humidifier cause I believe 50% would be much better for my asmatic cat and I.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Interesting. I'm sure diffusers help some, but a humidifier would be more effective at raising the humidity levels in your home to the desired levels.

[@doniphan72ify]

I use my little Walgreens oil diffuser without the oil to humidify my bedroom too lol. It works decently

[@acereport8939]

Many people are installing “smart” thermostats nowadays and while they may have more control over the AC’s functionality it’s important to make sure that it’s not making changes to your indoor air quality. Those “energy saving” settings on the thermostat might be increasing your humidity in the summer time. Nest in particular has an “airwave” setting that’s on by default. It runs the fan for a little while after every time it shuts off the compressor. This allows moisture from the evaporator coil to evaporate into the whole house causing humidity levels to rise. The more the AC cycles, the more humidity it makes as it keeps turning off the compressor and running the fan. If you’re struggling with humidity during the summertime. Check to make sure that the fan isn’t running every time the compressor shuts off.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

That is a really great point. Thank you for sharing, I did not realize that about the "smart" thermostats.

[@mrsp5713]

So, @Ace Report and @Crawl Space Ninja, we have a Honeywell thermostat that keeps reading 68% humidity and I have no idea how to counter that? The home is a builder spec home with A/C cool & heat here in south central Texas. We have ceiling fans in every room and I’m not too keen on all the energy efficient specs of the windows and insulation and what not. But I just know 68% humidity shouldn’t be right. When I noticed the ‘stickiness in the air’ for too long now (we’ve lived here for 2 years)...I just knew I had to search for answers. Are we supposed to ‘add’ humidifiers/dehumidifiers? Are they all in ones? And what’s the purpose of the A/C unit then? Yes, I hear the fan run for a while after the compressor turns off. Any direction is helpful.

[@napieraustin]

Great video

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you so much!

[@ramidaoud4323]

Should I turn humidifier and dehumidifier the same time?

[@hiepvu7913]

moisture n crawlspace low but how come moisture in 1 room very high. what should I do. please give me some advice

[@SCGNiagara101]

What's an ideal humidity level for the bedroom in winter? We have a small one only for sleeping. Thanks.

[@jeffm2787]

My crawlspace with an Aprilaire 1820 set to 50% has been sitting around 35% this summer while I fight to keep my home below 60%. I suspect my AC is all just ending up in my crawlspace somehow. Adding a 35 pint dehumidifier is showing signs that I might be winning the battle a little in the living space, only been a couple days. I have a 5 zone minisplit and while the 'dry' mode helps significantly it tends to make the house crazy cold.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

HVAC can add moisture if they are not operating correctly.. I'm not sure if mini splits do the same thing but may want to consult your HVAC provider to make sure it's not oversized as well.

[@jeffm2787]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja The minisplits don't suffer from leaky ductwork that can pull in hot air, dust and moisture like a ducted AC units can. They can raise the relative humidity of course by well just cooling the air, that doesn't cause the absolute humidity to rise. Thanks for the reply.

[@dwellionhoward6436]

To control humidity I'm encapsulating my crawlspace and recently added a dehumidifier to the crawlspace.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thats great. Are you insulating as well?

[@dwellionhoward6436]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja No, I chose to retain the batting under the floor but have inspected above the batting and there is no mold. I have also closed all the crawlspace vents and am installing a ventilation fan in a passive Radon pipe.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

@@dwellionhoward6436 Great job - insulation is certainly needed in a crawl space and if yours is in good condition with no mold, keep it. Thanks for sharing.

[@zukosmom3780]

I live in Northwest Indiana where the humidity gets high. If we have a cool off, I turn the AC off and open the windows. It begins to stink. Any ideas on why? Just subscribed too 😃

[@AdrianGarcia-rk7wx]

It's mold and mildew I live in Porter county and my house was built in the 30's so if you have ever been in one of those old houses in Valparaiso I thought it was old dust smell it's mold mildew we bought a dehumidifier and bam the smells are gone fresh house and the air conditioner feels colder we set it at 35% in summer and 40% in the winter but winter is usually very dry it really helps with allergies

[@zacharytaylor8435]

I have a Aprilaire trying to set it at 50 percent but it keeps going up and down . How can I set it to 50%

[@success-furioustigerkick5141]

Our home is at 32° and has like 58% humidity, so what settings should we put on our dehumidifier? thank you

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Set the control at 55%RH when first installed. Allow the dehumidifier to run until it reaches the setting before deciding if you want to change the setting. If you prefer the air to be more dry, decrease the humidity setting. If you prefer the air to be less dry, increase the humidity setting.

[@darrinortego7771]

I live in southern Louisiana and wanted to raise my humidity some for indoor plants. Got a Honeywell evaporative humidifier and it works too well. Only need to run it hear and there to achieve 50%

[@psfgtech]

You left out insects, this is Florida, I bought 2 and bugs are leaving, dehumidifier is a must Florida summers

[@peterleiza4351]

I have mine set at 60 in the summer in my basement. IS THIS GOOD SETTING?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We recommend having dehumidifiers set to 50% year round.

[@EllysaE]

My home is at 50% ... but this feels too high for me?

[@lesterchase4309]

So what would be the ideal setting for dehumidifier /Humidifier for comfort in your home. For example some days if I have my Temperature set at 68 it’s too hot but the very next day it it could be too cold Thank you for everything ( crawlspace not in capsulated in Nc)

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We typically recommend keeping it at around 50% relative humidity. You can look into dew point calculators and get more precise if you want.

[@Xaero36]

I went to the 1820 video but it was like two years old. Is there a new link for the give away video?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Here is the link. Thanks for watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXbGgnSerNd6lbs

[@vlad3k]

So about 45 - 50 % humidity.

[@Z-Ack]

Whats funny is my basement never gets above 55% but the upstairs wont go below 70%. But.. the attic space above stays right at 55% and is well ventilated.. not sure what the hells going on with the upstairs but with the ac running it still stays right there.. if i run a dehumidifier it will drop to where i set it at 50% but then the basement will get in the 30% ranges and thats dry enough to mess with my nose and skin.. is just odd and ill be damned if im going to pay to run a dehumidifier and humidifier at the same time to make it right both up and downstairs..

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Your AC could be raising humidity. Turn on the AC fan and check the humidity levels coming out of register.

[@shortdom107]

Honeywell humidifier at around 50%

[@MattMendians]

I haven’t gotten a humid gauge yet but going to. Once I know my levels I’m going to ask some questions. I have suffered with major allergies the whole twenty years I have lived in my house. We have a half basement you inter from outside and I also have musical instruments. Drums and guitars. I saw on video that humidity levels below 50 percent fleas can’t live in. We recently started having fleas and our cat doesn’t go outside. Does high humidity cause dripping nose and allergies?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

I cannot speak to the medical side of high humidity. But high humidity does cause allergens to grow? Especially mold and dust mites. I have not heard that fleas do not like lower humidity. I will research that. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattMendians]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja Thanks and your welcome. I will have to find the video where I learned that cause I have been researching fleas since our cat has some right now unfortunately!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

@@MattMendiansSounds great - if you find it please feel free to post it here, thanks.

[@MattMendians]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpumqp1jeruXfJosi=FgbZeE3Lsv8UcXyk

[@MattMendians]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja Here’s the link for the video. If you don’t want to watch the whole video go ahead to 6:30 in.

[@peterrobbins6691]

Wish you were in the Northeast. Do you know or can you recommend anyone in my area. I live in Albany, New York.

[@ScottFuckinRitchie]

Shouldn’t the optimal humidity level be 40-50% regardless of what time of year it is? Below 30% wood floors and musical instruments such as drums and guitars and dry out, shrink and crack. Above 50%, instruments and absorb moisture and swell and warp, also hardware begins to rust.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

As per Mayo Clinic recommendations, the ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is 30-50%. The air contains between 30-50% of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.

[@emmanuellelamoth]

What about living in a townhouse apartment

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Portable dehumidifiers may work. Is the space to install one a problem?

[@karmicsoul4444]

4:35 to get the answer

[@ifesta1]

47.23% Humidity is Best for me.

[@j.dewald2030]

We have been fighting water run off flowing toward our home. We installed French drains and lil ditches to run around the house. We have dehumidifiers inside the home. Ugh!!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

That is a good way to address water tho!

[@clouddancer7624]

This is, BY FAR, the easiest question to answer. "Note: Your Air Conditioner, IS a de-humidifier. If you have air conditioning in your home, your inside air is already de-humidified.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

That's true! The only thing is if you live in an area where seasons change and there are periods where your HVAC unit runs less frequently or you have it turned off completely because it's comfortable outside, but the humidity may still be high. For crawl spaces, this is why we recommend dehumidifiers over conditioning the space. Thanks for commenting!

[@njwalter86]

I run my ac pretty much all day long and the humidity in my house is always 55% or higher. I have to run an actual dehumidifier to lower it.

[@jasonworingen8431]

You must not live in the gulf south lol. Down here it’s not enough.

[@tomrado5249]

This is the most boring topic I’ve ever been totally engrossed in. Thank you.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

LOL, thank you!

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

Keep the humidity at 50% or lower.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thanks for watching

[@twosawyers]

Viruses travel better in dryer areas.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

That is why it's important to regulate the humidity levels year round! In the winter, humidity is normally lower when you're running your heat, so having a humidifier may be just what you need for that season.