As winter settles in, you might notice some changes in your room temperature, humidity, air quality, and comfort levels. Cold air brings lower humidity and cooler temperatures, which can harm your health and even damage your flooring and furniture.
Therefore, keeping a cozy indoor environment is key, as it helps improve your comfort and mood while protecting your belongings. Here you can find out the recommended temperature and humidity ranges for winter, as well as some tips on how to maintain an optimal indoor climate.
You may also be interested in: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Winter?
Recommended Temperature Range for Winter
Honestly, it’s hard to make a solid recommendation since everyone feels temperature differently. But typically, the ideal indoor temperature is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C and 22°C). This range is generally considered comfortable for most people. If you have elderly people or kids around, the temperature may need to be a little higher. Additionally, you can lower the room temperature when you sleep or go out.
Recommended Humidity Range for Winter
In winter, it is recommended to maintain a relative indoor humidity range of 30% to 50%. When it drops below 30%, the air gets extremely dry, and can lead to discomfort, dry skin, and breathing issues. Conversely, humidity over 50% can promote the growth of mold and dust mites.
Winter air tends to be drier since it can’t hold much water vapor at low temperatures, so you should pay more attention to how to increase indoor humidity in winter. If you don’t have a hygrometer, here are some signs to tell if your indoor humidity is low:
- Breathing issues like a sore throat, nosebleeds, chest tightness, or coughing
- Dry, itchy skin, or irritated eyes.
- Static shocks when touching a doorknob or metal objects
- Cracks in your wooden furniture and floors
Why is it Important to Maintain an Ideal Indoor Climate During the Winter?
As we mentioned before, the dry, cold winter air can be hazardous, so it’s significant to maintain an ideal indoor climate. Here are some of the benefits:
1. Improved Health
The right temperature and humidity can help prevent the spread of illness, as low humidity can dry out mucous membranes and make you more prone to colds and flue.
2. Residential Comfort
A well-regulated indoor climate contributes to overall comfort and improves mood, while extreme temperatures can lead to irritability and a general sense of restlessness.
3. Better Sleep
Adding some moisture to your bedroom at night can improve your sleep quality by making it easier to breathe and reducing snoring.
4. Property Protection
Low humidity can cause cracking in wooden furniture, floors, and even musical instruments, and by maintaining an optimal indoor climate, you can prevent wood damage.
How to Maintain Optimal Conditions During the Winter?
Temperature and humidity may seem like two separate issues, but they’re actually inherently linked, and getting the right balance means taking a holistic approach. For example, setting your thermostat higher to stay warm without considering humidity can leave your feeling uncomfortably dry. On the flip side, if you focus on humidifying your home without controlling the temperature, you could end up with a humid, damp environment.
1. Monitor Indoor Temperature and Humidity
To maintain an optimal indoor climate, the first step is to monitor the temperature and humidity levels since you can’t rely on just your instincts. A simple thermometer and hygrometer will do the trick, and luckily, they’re pretty affordable. You can even find models that can be remotely monitored from your phone through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, like the INKBIRD IBS-TH3 WIFI PLUS, all for a reasonable price.
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat or Temperature Controller
If you haven’t got a thermostat at home yet, consider investing in a programmable one. But if you already have an older model, you might want to try a temperature controller. Simply connect it to your current thermostat, and it will automatically turn the thermostat on and off based on your set temperature range or schedule. Obviously, it’s a more cost-effective option than buying a new programmable thermostat.
It may be comfortable to turn up the heat in winter, but don’t go overboard with it. Try to keep the temperature around 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C).
3. Use a Humidifier
A humidifier is the most straightforward way to increase the humidity in your environment, especially during winter. If you’re dealing with issues like respiratory problems, viral infections, nosebleeds, or dry, itchy skin, having a humidifier can really help.
Just keep in mind that don’t overuse the humidifier, as too much humidity can cause some troubles, such as mold growth. It is best to keep a close eye on the indoor humidity and turn off the your humidifier if it exceeds.
Alternatively, you can use an INKBIRD humidity controller, which can continuously monitor the humidity, and automatically adjust the connected humidifier according to the humidity range or schedule you set. For optimal comfort and health, it is recommended to set the humidity range between 30%~50%
4. Layer Up
Sometimes, simple solutions are the most effective. Wearing layers of clothing can keep you cozy when indoor temperatures are slightly cooler, so you won’t have to crank up the heat, saving both energy and money.
5. Take Advantage of Bath Steam
Every time you take a bath or shower, you generate water vapor, so why not make the most of it? After your shower, leave the door and curtain open and switch off the bathroom exhaust fan to let the steam spread into your house. Similarly, you can do the same with your dishwasher or washing machine - just keep the hatch open after they’re finished to increase the humidity in the air.
While some suggest cooking indoors to add moisture, I’d steer clear of that since it can create particles that make indoor air quality poor.
6. Add Some Houseplants
Indoor plants can not only add a little vitality to your home, but also help increase humidity levels and improve indoor air quality. You can choose low-maintenance options with large leaves like spider plants, aloe vera, monstera, and Chinese evergreen. For detailed plant care tips, read our Growing Guide.
7. Ventilate Wisely
You might wonder why you need to ventilate in winter. While it is important to keep out the cold, proper ventilation is key to maintaining healthy indoor air. No matter how cold it is, you should open your windows for 5-10 minutes every day. Otherwise, poor air quality can also lead to health issues. Investing in an air quality monitor can help you stay on top of things. These devices usually have the function of a thermometer and hygrometer, so you only need to choose one of the two.
