Heating & Cooling · Buying guides · Updated November 2026
How to Measure Humidity in Your Home
Humidity affects comfort, mold growth, window condensation and even wood floors. An inexpensive digital hygrometer tells you whether you have a problem before you buy a humidifier or dehumidifier.
What to aim for
The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. In cold weather, lower humidity helps prevent condensation on windows.
How to measure
- Use a digital hygrometer (many also show temperature).
- Place it away from bathrooms, kitchens, humidifiers and direct sun.
- Check several rooms, especially the basement and bedrooms.
- Watch readings over a few days; humidity changes with weather and activity.
Check your hygrometer's accuracy
- Mix a small amount of table salt with a few drops of water to make a damp paste in a bottle cap.
- Seal it in a zip-top bag with the hygrometer, without touching.
- After 8–12 hours, it should read about 75%. Note the difference and adjust readings accordingly.
What the readings mean
| Reading | What to do |
|---|---|
| Above 60% | Use bath and kitchen fans, fix leaks, consider a dehumidifier (basement dehumidifier guide) |
| 30%–50% | Healthy range |
| Below 30% | Dry skin and static; consider a humidifier, but avoid condensation on windows |
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our heating & cooling cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor. Calls connect you with an independent service provider in our network. FixFinch is not a contractor and does not perform the work.