There’s no doubt you’ve encountered the full spectrum of humidity while enjoying the outdoors, from sticky summer days to dry winter days that leave your hands and lips feeling chapped. But it’s important to remember that your indoor living space is also susceptible to the seasons’ changing humidity levels. Not only do they affect your comfort and health, but they can even lead to damage and unhealthy living conditions.
Canopy is here to help you break down the basics of indoor humidity, why it matters, the effects of low and high humidity, and what you can do to maintain a balanced approach to managing the levels in your home. Our innovative line of home and personal hydration products will help you breathe easy: ideal indoor humidity helps with overall comfort and well-being.
Does Indoor Humidity Really Matter?
Yes, indoor humidity matters to the well-being of you, your family, and your home. It is the presence of water vapor in the air. However, there are several ways humidity is measured. Absolute humidity is the exact amount of water present in a designated volume of air and is essential in scientific applications. When most folks talk about humidity, they mean relative humidity, which is the measurement of water vapor in the air in relation to the maximum amount of moisture air can contain relative to temperature and pressure. Temperature is key—as it rises, so does relative humidity, which drops when the temperature does1.
What should indoor humidity be in order to maintain a balanced environment? Generally, a range between 40% and 60% inside your home helps protect your family’s well-being and comfort, and the structural integrity of your house, but personal preference, overall health, and the season should also be considered2.
Can Indoor Humidity Be Too High or Too Low?
Yes, if indoor humidity rises above 50% for extended periods, it can have adverse effects on both bodies and homes. High humidity can interrupt and affect sleep by reducing NREM and REM sleep stages, which are crucial for recovery and memory. It can also cause an increase in asthma symptoms and allergies, and lead to respiratory infections. In your home, it can cause condensation on windows and walls, causing water damage3 . Continued moisture allows mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow, leading to rot and a host of related issues.
Low indoor humidity can cause dry skin, scalp, and hair, itchy eyes, sore throat, congestion, and an increase in respiratory infections4 . In your home, continuous dry air may cause paint or wallpaper to peel, wood furniture and building materials to shrink, warp, or crack. It can also cause damage to artwork, books, musical instruments, photos, and even wine5.
What Can You Do About Indoor Humidity?
An important step in maintaining the best indoor humidity level is to get accurate measurements. Some smart thermostats have devices called hygrometers, which measure relative humidity, built in, but if you have standard systems, you’ll want to purchase one at a hardware store. For accurate readings, be sure to place your hygrometer away from kitchens or bathrooms, which tend to be the most humid areas of the home.
One of the best ways to maintain a balanced relative humidity in your home is with Canopy’s innovative line of home hydration products. While people typically think of low humidity as a winter problem because it’s already dry outside, running an air conditioner in the summer can dry out indoor air as well, even in very humid outdoor conditions.
Tips for Keeping Humidity Levels Balanced
If Your Relative Humidity Is Too Low
Open bathroom doors after showering so the moisture can travel throughout the house. Adding plants to your home can help keep humidity balanced since many varieties thrive in moist air.
Insulate and air seal windows, walls, and attics to ensure necessary moisture isn’t escaping.
Invest in a humidifier designed for your space. Our Bedside 2.0 Humidifier and Nursery 2.0 Humidifier are perfect for rooms up to 500 square feet. Both devices use a fan to pull in air, pass it through our moistened filter, and cycle it back out. They also feature mold-inhibiting technology*, dishwasher-safe parts, sleep settings, soft nightlight and 3 soundscapes. For added comfort, take advantage of optional aroma diffusion and gentle, adjustable red and white light settings for the perfect wind-down routine.
* - Humidifier does not treat air; inhibits mold growth in device & filter. Third-party testing shown to inhibit growth of Aspergillus niger (commonly known as Black Mold) based on standard GB/T 23332-2018 comparing mold growth in humidifiers with and without Smart Persistent Airflow.
If your room is bigger than 500 square feet, choose our Large Room Humidifier, which offers the same wellness features as our Bedside and Nursery models.
If you work in a notoriously dry office or travel frequently, try our wireless Portable Humidifier for on-the-go hydration. With its hybrid technology combining misting and an evaporative fan for clean hydration, a rechargeable battery, and a reusable travel bag, it offers maximum ease and comfort away from home.
Canopy keeps home and personal hydration simple with tap water friendly devices that fit into a variety of spaces and lifestyles.
If Your Relative Humidity Is Too High
Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the air6. If your home’s indoor air still feels damp or sticky, identify and remove any sources of moisture, including possible leaks. Seal openings around windows or doors that might allow warm, moist air to enter.
If you live in a freestanding house, add a moisture barrier to the crawlspace or basement.
Using a humidifier can still be part of your wellness routine, especially with Canopy. Our convenient Auto Mode allows the device to run on the most appropriate setting based on the surrounding conditions. You can also adjust the fan speed manually for optimal comfort when you’re nearby.
FAQ
What is the best indoor humidity level for a home?
The ideal indoor humidity level is between 40% and 60%, but it’s important to account for your personal preferences and the conditions inside your home.
How can I measure indoor humidity?
Many modern smart thermostats measure humidity, but if yours doesn’t, you can purchase a device called a hygrometer. They’re available at most hardware stores and online. Hygrometer placement is key—choose a spot without dramatic temperature changes, and avoid placing it near windows, vents, doors, or humidifiers.
Does indoor humidity change during the seasons?
Yes, indoor humidity changes with the seasons, and how much depends on your climate and the conditions inside your home. Usually, as temperatures rise, so does the humidity. In winter, indoor humidity can plummet.
How do I maintain the ideal indoor humidity level?
You can maintain an ideal indoor humidity level by monitoring your environment with a hygrometer and adjusting as necessary.
Sources:
- Arundel, A.V., Sterling, E.M., Biggin, J.H., and Sterling, T.D. (March 1986). Indirect health effects of relative humidity in indoor environments. Environmental Health Perspectives. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1474709
- Taylor, G. (21 January 2025). This Is Your Home’s Ideal Indoor Humidity Level. Bob Vila. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from https://www.bobvila.com/articles/humidity-level-at-home/
- Noyed, D. (21 July 2026). Best Humidity Level for Sleeping. Sleep Foundation. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/humidity-and-sleep
- Higgins, C. (9 July 2026). Managing indoor humidity levels, all year round. Center for Energy and Environment. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from https://www.mncee.org/managing-humidity-levels
- Lilly, E. (9 June 2026). 9 Items in Your Home That Can Be Ruined by Low Humidity. This Old House. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/9-things-your-home-s-low-humidity-is-ruining
- What are the main ways to control moisture in your home? EPA. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from https://www.epa.gov/mold/what-are-main-ways-control-moisture-your-home
