Ask Dirk: Does the Humidity Level in Your Home Affect Your Health?

Short Answer: Yes — Both Too Little and Too Much Humidity Can Affect Your Health

Indoor humidity levels play an important role in overall comfort and health. In Northern Nevada’s high desert climate, outdoor humidity is often very low, and without intervention, that dryness can follow you indoors.

When indoor humidity falls outside the recommended range, it may contribute to respiratory irritation, skin issues, and other health concerns. Maintaining a balanced humidity level supports healthier indoor air quality year-round.

What Is the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA

Caveat: when it’s very cold outside it may be necessary to maintain a lower humidity. Should you notice that moisture condensed on your windows (usually most noticeable in the morning), your humidity level may be too high. I have seen condensation on new, high quality windows on a cold morning with an indoor humidity level of 30%.

Several factors influence where your home falls within that range, including:

• Local climate
• Your home’s ventilation system
• Everyday activities like cooking and showering
• How often doors and windows are opened
• Air leakage (infiltration) in the home

Because Northern Nevada’s climate is naturally dry, many homes fall below this ideal range without homeowners realizing it.

How Low Humidity Can Affect Your Health

When indoor humidity is too low, it may contribute to a variety of comfort and health issues, including:

• Dry or irritated sinuses
• Nosebleeds
• Dry or itchy eyes
• Cracked lips and dry skin
• Increased dust accumulation

While Nevadans are accustomed to dry outdoor air, indoor environments should be more balanced to support comfort and respiratory health.

How High Humidity Can Affect Your Health

Excess humidity can also create problems.

High humidity encourages:

• Condensation
• Growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria
• Stuffy or heavy indoor air

Over time, these conditions may trigger or worsen asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. Although excess humidity is less common in our region, it can still occur — particularly in tightly sealed homes or areas with poor ventilation.

How to Control Humidity in Your Home

Because removing humidity is rarely necessary in Northern Nevada, most homeowners focus on adding moisture to the air safely and effectively.
Improve the Building Envelope.
Infiltration, or air entering through the structure of the building, will affect indoor humidity.
Leaky windows or doors, air getting in from attics or basement.
Room Humidifiers
Portable or room humidifiers are a common option. They may not be ideal, however.
Things to keep in mind:

• Monitor humidity levels regularly
• Clean units frequently to prevent mold or bacteria growth
• Dirty humidifiers may worsen air quality rather than improve it

If you have asthma or allergies, consult your doctor before adding humidity.
Steam vs. Cool Mist Humidifiers

• Steam humidifiers add clean moisture when properly maintained
• Cool mist (ultrasonic) humidifiers may release mineral dust into the air depending on water quality

Researching which option is best for your home is important before purchasing.

Whole-House Humidifiers

For the most consistent and controlled results, a whole-house humidifier may be installed directly into your furnace.
Benefits include:

• Even humidity distribution throughout the home
• Precise control using a humidistat
• Higher humidification capacity
• Less daily maintenance than portable units

This is the most expensive option, but also the most effective for homeowners serious about long-term humidity control.

How to Measure Humidity in Your Home

A hygrometer is a simple device that measures indoor humidity levels.
For the most accurate readings:

• Place it in main living areas such as bedrooms or living rooms
• Avoid kitchens and bathrooms, which naturally have higher humidity

Monitoring humidity helps ensure your home stays within the recommended range.
Cheaper hygrometers are likely to be less accurate.

Why Humidity Matters for Northern Nevada Homes

Living in a high desert climate means indoor humidity deserves special attention. Balanced humidity can:

• Improve comfort
• Reduce respiratory irritation
• Protect furnishings and finishes
• Support healthier indoor air year-round

Taking control of your home’s humidity levels may make a noticeable difference for both comfort and health.

The Bottom Line

Indoor humidity affects how you feel, how your home performs, and how healthy your indoor environment is. In Northern Nevada, low humidity is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent.
With proper monitoring and the right solution for your home, you can maintain healthier indoor air and more consistent comfort throughout the year.