Dust Mites and Humidity
Winter starts on December 21st, but many have already turned on their heaters (we did last night for the first time). Using heating lowers indoor humidity, which helps reduce dust mite populations since they thrive in humid environments.
Relative humidity measures moisture in the air compared to the maximum moisture it can hold at a certain temperature. When the air is saturated, dew forms. As humidity drops, static electricity increases, and nasal membranes and throats may feel dry, making breathing difficult. Low humidity can also dry out your skin and cause a flaky scalp.
Now, the question is, do you want to deal with dust mites, which need moisture to survive, or dry, flaky skin? It's better to find a balance between them.
Many people use humidifiers to add moisture back into the air to combat dry air. This helps with nasal passages and dry skin and reduces static electricity. If you have dust mite allergies, maintain relative humidity between 30% and 40%. If you see condensation on your windows, lower the humidity.
Choose a humidifier with a humidistat to set your desired humidity level. If it doesn’t have one, invest in a hygrometer. Evaporative humidifiers are recommended because they don’t produce white dust, won’t scald children, and don’t have scale build-up issues. It may take a few days to figure out what works best for you, but it is worth it.
Many people use humidifiers to add moisture back into the air to combat dry air. This helps with nasal passages and dry skin and reduces static electricity. If you have dust mite allergies, maintain relative humidity between 30% and 40%. If you see condensation on your windows, lower the humidity.
Choose a humidifier with a humidistat to set your desired humidity level. If it doesn’t have one, invest in a hygrometer. Evaporative humidifiers are recommended because they don’t produce white dust, won’t scald children, and don’t have scale build-up issues. It may take a few days to figure out what works best for you, but it is worth it.
Til Next Time!