Managing moisture and humidity can help ensure your home is comfortable and avoid damaging mould developing.
In many Australian and New Zealand homes during the winter months, excess moisture can lead to condensation on windows, musty smells and mould. Fortunately, with a few simple habits and helpful equipment like a dehumidifier, you can ensure a healthier environment for you and your family.
What is humidity?
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. When humidity is too high, the air feels damp and moisture begins to settle on cool surfaces like glass windows. When air is too dry, it can feel uncomfortable on your skin and affect your throat and sinuses.
In most homes, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 40% and 60%. This range is usually comfortable for your body, reduces condensation, and makes it harder for mould to grow.
How to choose a dehumidifier
An effective way to manage humidity is by using a dehumidifier, especially in winter when doors and windows are typically closed to keep the house warm. Dehumidifiers work by drawing in moist air, removing the water, and releasing drier air back into the room. This helps stabilise humidity levels and can significantly reduce condensation on glass windows.
Smaller dehumidifier units are ideal for bedrooms or study areas, while larger capacity models can handle open living spaces or areas with ongoing moisture concerns. Many modern units allow you to set a target humidity level, meaning they automatically switch on and off to maintain a comfortable environment.
There are two main types of dehumidifiers commonly used in homes: compressor dehumidifiers and desiccant dehumidifiers.
Compressor dehumidifiers work by drawing moist air over cold coils, causing the moisture to condense into water. They are very effective in warmer and more humid environments and are often the more energy-efficient option in warmer states.
Desiccant dehumidifiers draw air through a moisture-absorbing material to remove humidity. In cooler climates, desiccant-style dehumidifiers are usually the best choice as they continue to work efficiently even at lower temperatures, helping keep your home dry during winter.
How to use a dehumidifier
For best results, place the dehumidifier in the room where moisture is most noticeable, such as bedrooms, bathrooms or living areas with condensation on the windows. Keep doors and windows closed while the unit is operating so it can work more efficiently.
Make sure there is enough clearance around the dehumidifier’s air intake and outflow. Most units also require the water tank to be emptied regularly unless connected to a continuous drainage hose.
How to ensure adequate ventilation
Alongside using a dehumidifier, ventilation plays a key role in managing humidity in your home. During winter, you need to strike a balance between keeping the house warm and ensuring adequate airflow.
Brief, controlled ventilation is often enough during winter months. For example, opening windows for 10 to 15 minutes in the morning can help flush out humid air and replace it with drier air from outside.
Using exhaust fans in bathrooms and laundries or rangehoods in kitchens is also essential, as activities like showering, washing, drying clothes and cooking release water vapour into the air. Keeping windows and doors even slightly open whenever possible in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry can also help air circulate more evenly throughout the home, reducing pockets of trapped humidity.
How to monitor humidity
A digital moisture meter is a helpful tool to monitor humidity levels in your home. If humidity is consistently above 60%, it suggests excess moisture in the air and a higher risk of condensation and mould developing. If it drops below 40%, the air might be too dry. By monitoring these levels, you can choose when to use a dehumidifier, increase ventilation, or adjust activities like drying clothes.
By understanding humidity, using a suitable dehumidifier, maintaining ventilation, and keeping an eye on moisture levels within your home, you can ensure a healthy environment. Over time, you should notice clearer windows, fresher air, less mould, and a more comfortable home.
For more helpful information, check out our guide How to control mould in your home
