Dry winter air: the right indoor humidity for your home

Cold winter air holds little moisture, so heated indoor air can drop below 20% humidity. That means static shocks, dry skin, irritated sinuses and gaps in hardwood floors.

The healthy range

Aim for 35–45% in winter. Go lower when it is very cold outside to avoid condensation on windows, and up to 50% in milder weather.

Your options

• Portable humidifiers for a single bedroom or nursery
• Whole-home humidifiers on your furnace, controlled automatically by outdoor temperature
• Ventilation with an HRV or ERV to balance moisture and fresh air in tight homes

Maintenance matters

Replace the humidifier pad every year and keep the water line clear. A tune-up from Bluefire Air includes a humidifier check.