indoor humidity

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mmmnaked

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I'm confused about something. Every source I read about indoor humidity control has the following table:


-28C or colder - keep humidity below 15%
-23 to -27C - keep humidity below 20%
-17 to -23C - keep humidity below 25%
-12 to -16C - keep humidity below 30%
-6 to -11C - keep humidity below 35%
+4 to -5C - keep humidity below 40%

Doesn't this seem totally out of whack? When its really cold out, I should keep the humidity at 20% or less? That's dry as hell... I already have baseboards and various wood trims showing signs of cracking and my hygrometer is reading 35%. The humidistat is set to 35-45%. If I set it lower, it clicks off and the water stops flowing. The air in the house feels dry and uncomfortable at indicated 35%, but the charts suggest keeping it at 20% or even lower. What am I missing?
 
At the colder temps, your indoor humidity risks condensing and freezing on your windows. You'll get a nice ice dam building up at e bottom of your windows, if you don't keep an eye on the humidity levels. You can get some water damage from the stuff thawing out. That said, I've never let the humidity in my house get as low as the table you provided. My indoor humidity is somewhere around 35% and there's a little ice buildup on my windows.
 
Yes, same here. I see some frost once in a while.. but still it feels dry inside at 35-40%. So again, where do these tables get this info from? It makes no sense.
 
I was as confused as you are. I had the humidity set at 40% when it was really cold and I end up getting so much condensation in the windows that I end up having mold. Had to clean it and follow the stupid table on the humidifier and no problem since
mmmnaked said:
Yes, same here. I see some frost once in a while.. but still it feels dry inside at 35-40%. So again, where do these tables get this info from? It makes no sense.
Click to expand...
 
^ but hows the air in your house? You're not dried up like a raisin?
 
mmmnaked said:
^ but hows the air in your house? You're not dried up like a raisin?
Click to expand...
I have a fairly new house (1 year old) and my main concern with humidity or lack there off is the hardwood floors. They are ok so far, not concerned to much with my hands being dry as it is winter after all.

I prefer dry hands and not having to clean mold off the bathroom windows.
 
My windows are 2 layers. Ice builds up if I open the inner windows, but if I keep it shut it is ok. When it is freezing I tend to want higher humidity. My house it at 40 now. I hate the house being really dry. I can't sleep because my skin is cracking & itchy

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40-50 is a good humidity setting, but you have to fiddle with the dial as the temperature outside goes to extremes like this frikkin cold spell from hell.
If the windows are still freezing up and your humidity is below 35, then you have crummy windows, or they are poorly installed, too much air flow and leakage going on.
If you do have a bad window, pull the trim off the inside and see if it's insulated between the casing and framing, fill any gaps.
Another good option is just to install the window kit for winter, 2 sided tape and some plastic.
 
AGAVE said:
40-50 is a good humidity setting, but you have to fiddle with the dial as the temperature outside goes to extremes like this frikkin cold spell from hell.
If the windows are still freezing up and your humidity is below 35, then you have crummy windows, or they are poorly installed, too much air flow and leakage going on.
If you do have a bad window, pull the trim off the inside and see if it's insulated between the casing and framing, fill any gaps.
Another good option is just to install the window kit for winter, 2 sided tape and some plastic.
Click to expand...

The windows I installed don't have any problems. The old remaining ones are freezing up, but they're crap windows to begin with.

Regardless, its more of a comfort thing for me. I just don't get how or why 20% would be suggested in such cold weather. That's dry as hell.
 
Low humidity will make it feel colder than thermostat might suggest. Like Rob Ford said last week "Am I crazy or is it cold in here?"
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