Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. The right level of humidity will contribute to a more comfortable living space and will prevent issues related to dryness, including dry skin, itchy eyes, irritated throat, and more.
Too little or too much moisture can lead to peeling paint on walls or moisture damage on wooden household items.
Balancing humidity levels within the recommended range can be done through the use of air treatment appliances such as with a humidifier, if humidity levels may be too low, or with a dehumidifier if humidity levels are too high.
However, if a humidifier is unavailable to you, we’ve come up with some ways you can increase humidity levels in your home without using a humidifier.
5 ways to increase humidity without a humidifier
Humidity levels in your home can be increased through certain adjustments to your lifestyle and simple life hacks that are explained below.
Houseplants for humidity
Houseplants are able to increase the humidity levels through a natural process called transpiration. This happens when plants release moisture that was initially absorbed from the soil through tiny pores in their leaves.
Having several houseplants placed together in a room can collectively increase humidity levels in your home.
Open water containers
Collecting water in a large open container such as a bucket or a large vase will lead to gradual evaporation, which adds moisture to the air. To make this process more efficient, place the container near a heat source in frequently used rooms. This life hack is simple and effective at raising the humidity levels in your home.
Indoor clothes drying
Drying clothes indoors on a drying rack or a clothesline can release moisture into the air. As these damp clothes evaporate, they contribute to raising relative humidity levels. This is especially effective during colder months when outdoor air may not be conducive to outdoor drying, and indoor air is too dry because of winter air.
Post shower habits
After a shower, the bathroom air becomes humid due to the evaporating water. Opening up the bathroom door after showering lets the moisture disperse into adjoining rooms. This adds a temporary rise in humidity levels.
Strategic ventilation
Opening windows during humid times can introduce outdoor moisture into your home. During dry periods, it’s best to keep openings close to retain moisture.
Health impacts of low humidity
Low humidity has various health impacts that can affect one’s skin and respiratory system. Some major health concerns that are brought about by dry air include the following:
Respiratory irritation
Low humidity can lead to dry air, which can cause irritation in the respiratory tract when breathed in. This can cause coughing, throat discomfort and the exacerbation of pre-existing respiratory systems like asthma and bronchitis.
Dry skin
Our skin needs moisture, and the air can sometimes be a source of moisture. Insufficient moisture in the air can contribute to dry and irritated skin. This can lead to skin becoming itchy, flaky and more prone to conditions like eczema. Lips and nasal massages can also fall victim to dryness.
Susceptibility to infections
Dry air can make the mucous membranes in the nose and respiratory passages more vulnerable to infections. This makes individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections like colds.
Eye irritation
Low humidity will dry eyes as it increases the evaporation of tears, this disrupts the natural moisture balance. This will cause irritation and affect performance and productivity.
Conclusion
As we’ve learned, the effects of low humidity extend beyond mere discomfort but also impact our respiratory system, skin and eyes. By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your daily routine, you’ll be able to enhance humidity levels in your home and contribute to better health and vitality.
Maintaining optimal humidity between 30 to 60% is ideal for optimal comfort, whether it’s introducing houseplants, strategically using water, or adopting post-shower habits, these solutions empower you to take control of your surroundings.
However, one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase humidity in your living space is through the use of a humidifier. The Ionmax ION90 offers warm and cool mist functions to provide your home with ideal humidity levels while also measuring ambient humidity levels to ensure maximum comfort and improved indoor air quality around the clock.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.
Ionmax Australia
Founded in 2003, Ionmax Australia has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Ionmax dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been recognised for their effectiveness in reducing indoor air pollutants and improving air quality. The company is committed to researching and developing new and improved products that meet the needs and expectations of its customers, making it a trusted name in households across Australia and beyond.
