How to measure the humidity level in the house?

When it comes to the humidity level (the amount of water vapour in the air) when there is too much of in a house, it brings problems, but on the other hand, too much dry air is not ideal either. To optimise the humidity level in your home, you must first be able to measure it effectively. Thanks to the hygrometry, it is possible to obtain valuable information about the water vapour in your home and thus improve it.

Why measure the humidity level inside a house?

Measuring the humidity level in the house is not yet a common practice. This is increasingly common, but it is not the same as measuring the temperature. Comfort is often associated with temperature, but it is not the only factor! If the temperature is ideal, the humidity, hygrometry or relative humidity must also be regulated.
This varies greatly between different homes, but also according to your habits and the time of year. However, this is a real health issue: as you will read several times below, a humidity level that is higher than the recommended values or too low can cause health problems in humans, animals, or plants, as well as unhealthy living conditions.
Controlling the humidity level to improve both your comfort and your health therefore requires accurate measurement. Without this data, it is impossible to improve the situation. Fortunately, as with temperature, there are devices capable of measuring the humidity level: these are tools for measuring hygrometry.
This varies a great deal from one dwelling to another, but it also depends on your habits and the time of year. However, this is a real health issue: as you will read several times below, a humidity level that is higher than the recommended values or, on the contrary, too low can cause health problems in humans, animals or plants as well as unhealthy living conditions.
Controlling the humidity level to improve both your comfort and your health therefore requires accurate measurement. Without this data, it is impossible to improve the situation. Fortunately, as with temperature, there are devices capable of measuring the humidity level: these are tools for measuring hygrometry.

The Netatmo Smart Weather Station does more than just measure humidity levels. Connected, it provides you with all the information you need to keep the air in your home healthy. In addition, you receive this data directly on your mobile phone and you get alerts when it is time to ventilate!

Hygrometry to measure the humidity level precisely

The hygrometer is a device that functions as a humidity tester. To measure the humidity level inside your home, it all starts with this moisture meter: this is the simplest solution, even if it requires the purchase of the device.
Note that in this article we use the term humidity to refer to relative humidity (which is an estimate of the saturation rate of the air with water vapour), or hygrometry. Similarly, the concepts of moisture meter and hygrometer are identical.
The hygrometer therefore measures humidity levels between 0% (very dry air) and 100% (visible water vapour in the form of mist or drops). Your humidity tester is a tool that helps you to accurately measure the percentage of water vapour in the air in your home. A great ally in the war against humidity and the fight for healthy, pure, quality air!
A weather-station providing indoor data through sensors in the house is also an excellent solution to go further than a simple hygrometer. It is a more comprehensive, often connected, tool that provides a broader and more detailed view of the humidity in the home.
The last really effective option is simply to call in a humidity professional. This specialist (or specialist company) will be able to explain to you clearly and reliably the sources of damp in your home and the most suitable solutions for restoring a suitable level.

Accurately monitor your home's indoor environment with the Netatmo Smart Weather Station. Measure, analyse and understand your humidity levels in addition to your overall air quality. Reduce both high humidity and indoor pollution.

What is the ideal humidity level in the house?

There is an ideal level of humidity (or hygrometry) to be maintained in a home. Why and more importantly, what is the rate?
Why should we ensure that the humidity level is ideal?

After all, your health is at stake, as well as the health of your home and everything inside. Too much humidity leads to condensation on windows, mould in the bathroom and allergies. Too little humidity can cause dry skin, nose or throat irritation and permanent discomfort, among other pleasures.

The impact of temperature on relative humidity

The humidity level in the same place changes during the day. This is related to temperature changes: cold air retains less water vapour than warm air, so at night the relative humidity tends to increase as the temperature drops.

Ideal: 45-50% relative humidity

To avoid undesirable and harmful effects on health and inside the house as much as possible, experts recommend keeping the humidity level between 45 and 50 %.
It is this percentage of water vapour in the air that represents the best compromise. To maintain this relative humidity, it is ideal to measure the level continuously with a hygrometer or an indoor weather station.
Broader estimates recommend a correct relative humidity level between 40 and 65%: as long as the indoor air in the house remains within this range, water vapour (or the lack of it) does not cause negative effects.
Please note that it is important to act quickly when humidity is above 70% or below 30%. These values are reliable indicators to be aware of in order to improve the atmosphere in your home.

Moisture problems (excess or lack) are common. Thanks to the fact that it is a well-known problem, the solutions to overcome it are effective! Do not worry anymore and start measuring the humidity level in order to optimise it. Hygrometer, weather station, professional… choose the solution that best suits you.