What should I set my dehumidistat to?

Author: Edmund Armstrong  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

You can set dehumidistats to a humidity level that's within the optimal humidity range for your health and comfort (between 40 and 65%). If the humidity levels rise above the level you've set, the dehumidistat will automatically turn on an exhaust device, such as a bathroom fan.

What setting should I put my dehumidifier on?

The ideal setting for a dehumidifier typically ranges between 30% to 50% relative humidity. Here's why you might choose a specific setting within that range: 30% Humidity: This is on the lower end and can be beneficial in very damp environments. It helps prevent mold growth, dust mites, and other allergens.

What level should I set my humidifier at?

The most comfortable level to set your humidistat is between about 35 and 55 percent relative humidity. This is the range when bacteria and viruses can't live as long and annoying static shock is minimized. However, the precise level you choose depends on the temperature outside.

What should an air exchanger be set at in winter?

Since the colder outdoor air is usually drier in the winter, an HRV can also help reduce excessive humidity in your home. We recommend setting your HRV to “minimum” or “vent”. However, the 20/40 setting is also good because it only runs the system for 20 minutes every hour.

What should humidity control be set at?

Humidity control in the house is important to maintaining Healthy Humidity. The effects of house humidity can have a major impact on the way you feel. The American Society of Heating Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning Engineers recommends keeping your home's relative humidity between 40–60%.

How to set your Humidistat - Tips From The Doc

What should dehumidistat settings be in summer?

While everyone's home comfort preferences will vary, we recommend a dehumidistat setting between 35 and 45 percent for Summer.

Is 25 humidity too low?

Is 25% humidity too low? Yes. The standard for indoor humidity is between 40–60%.

What should the dehumidistat be set at in the winter?

Fall/Winter Seasons

As a general rule of thumb, you should set your system's dehumidistat to 25 percent to 50 percent depending on the temperature to keep condensation at bay.

What setting should my air exchanger be on in the summer?

If possible, you should adjust the settings to switch to “recirculation” mode during the warm season. This effectively limits the entrance of moisture and lets the air circulate throughout the house.

What is the dehumidistat on HRV?

The HRV's dehumidistat allows you to control your home's humidity levels. In general, your dehumidistat settings should be between 25 and 50 percent in the winter. Use the following temperatures to guide your settings: When the temperature is -30 C or below, set the dehumidistat to 25 percent.

What humidity is best for sleeping?

Best Humidity for Sleeping

The best relative humidity for sleeping and other indoor activities has been debated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best indoor relative humidity falls between 30% and 50%, and it should never exceed 60%. Other studies suggest 40% to 60% is a better range.

What number should I put my humidifier on?

Industry experts (ASHRAE) recommend optimal Relative Humidity (RH) at between 40-60% RH on an average annual basis and 35% during the heating season in dry climates.

Is 50% humidity too high in winter?

In short, ideal humidity levels in the winter months are almost always between 30-50%. Maintaining this range will help prevent dry skin, respiratory problems and even damage to wood furniture.

What should my humidifier be set at?

A comfortable relative humidity for most homes throughout the summer, spring, and fall is between 30% and 50%. If you set your humidifier to this level, it should be comfortable for your home and family most of the year. However, when temperatures drop significantly in winter, you may need to re-adjust.

What humidity does mold grow in?

Mold needs 55% or higher humidity in order to grow. Also, remember that reducing humidity below 30% isn't a good idea, either. This can cause health problems, making your eyes nose and skin dry, and exasperate lung and skin conditions.

What to set a dehumidifier at in summer?

In most climates, keeping an indoor humidity level below 60 percent in the summer probably will prevent condensation and mold growth. We suggest a comfort setting between 45%-55% humidity.

What does a dehumidistat do?

A dehumidistat is a device which controls the humidity levels in the home by communicating with the thermostat to change the temperature. This device is very beneficial for seasonal residents and those who are away from their homes for an extended period of time throughout the year.

What should I set my air exchanger humidity to in winter?

Whenever the humidity exceeds the set level, the air exchanger will activate. It should be set around 40% to prevent mold growth. If your home is feeling dry, up to 55% should still be dry enough to prevent mold, but there will be more moisture in the air so out-of-the-way corners and windowsills might still get wet.

What to set dehumidistat at?

You can set dehumidistats to a humidity level that's within the optimal humidity range for your health and comfort (between 40 and 65%). If the humidity levels rise above the level you've set, the dehumidistat will automatically turn on an exhaust device, such as a bathroom fan.

Is 20% humidity too low in winter?

Humidity in the winter months is often very low because temperatures are colder, and the air cannot hold as much water vapor. Typically, in many locations such as Atlanta, a relative indoor humidity level between 30 and 50% is considered ideal.

What should an air exchanger be set at in summer?

Air exchangers and the changing seasons

The relative humidity is at its highest, and it's often difficult to bring it down. Your air exchanger will come into play, working to lower the levels, which should be between 50 and 60 percent during the summer season.

How long does a dehumidifier take to dry a room?

How Long Does It Take for a Dehumidifier to Dry Out a Room? The size of the room, the humidity level, and the extent of the water damage are some of the variables that affect how long a dehumidifier takes to dry out a room. A dehumidifier typically needs between 24 and 72 hours to completely dry out a room.

What is the best humidity for sleeping?

Humidity recommendations vary widely; most are between 30% and 60%, with 30–45% as ideal.

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