I live in the Midwest and my thermostat usually shows the relative humidity (RH) around 50%, sometimes reaching the mid-50s. Lately, the dew point has been above 70, and I keep my AC set at 73 degrees. Is this humidity level acceptable? I occasionally run a dehumidifier in my basement, but it feels a bit too humid at times, even though my wife doesn't seem to mind. I noticed my friend's house was at 34% RH, and it felt fantastic. What's the normal humidity range for summer?
2 Answers
For the Midwest, a relative humidity between 30% and 50% is usually considered normal during the summer. You're on the higher end of that spectrum, but it sounds like you're doing fine overall. Some people may feel more comfortable with lower levels, around 35% to 55% is typically acceptable. Just keep an eye on how you and your family feel!
I’d say 35% to 55% is a good range too. It really depends on personal preference—some people feel more comfortable at lower levels like 30%. It's definitely tricky to maintain that, though, especially in humid summer months without proper insulation. Your friend might just have better dehumidification going on!
Yeah, keeping it low like that probably does require careful insulation and a well-functioning AC system. It seems like a bit of a balancing act!