There are several ways to monitor humidity level in your home:
• Use a humidity gauge or sensor. An analog or digital humidity gauge can measure the relative humidity level in a specific area of your home. Then,place them on walls in spaces where people spend the most time, such as the living room, bedroom, etc. Aim for 30-50% RH for most homes.
• Get a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device specifically designed to measure humidity. Also,it provides an accurate reading of the relative humidity and temperature. Some are wireless so you can put them anywhere.
• Use a home humidity monitor. An ambient home monitor allows you to keep tabs on the humidity throughout your entire house. It provides readings from multiple sensors so you see the humidity levels room by room. These are easy to set up and the data can be viewed on an app or website.
• Check for condensation or leaks. Excessive condensation on cold surfaces like pipes or windows indicates high humidity. Look for any leaks or water damage which adds moisture to the indoor air. Repair or seal the source to lower humidity levels.
• Monitor humidity with a smart thermostat. Many programmable and smart thermostats have built-in humidity sensors so you can see the readings right on the thermostat display or through an app. This is a convenient way to keep an eye on humidity as you adjust the temperature.
• Test with a hair dryer. To get an estimate of the humidity in your home, point a hair dryer at cold surfaces like windows, mirrors or pipes. If water condenses on the glass or metal, the humidity is likely higher than 50%. This is just a rough estimate but can give you an idea if levels seem off.
• Consider a whole-home dehumidifier. If high humidity is an ongoing problem in your home, especially in basements or crawl spaces, a whole-home dehumidifier can help automatically reduce excess moisture in the air and maintain a healthy balance. Dehumidifiers remove humidity through continuous air circulation and condensation collection.