The humidity level of a home has a great impact on a person's health, the livelihood of plants and the house's overall appearance. High humidity will lead to mold growth, peeling paint, warped wood trim and floors, and clammy skin; it will also attract cockroaches and termites to the space. Low humidity will lead to dry skin and chapped lips; it will affect the health of indoor plants and will cause pianos to require more frequent tune-ups. There is a tool that will allow homeowners to monitor and maintain the humidity of their homes.
Locate a hygrometer. This instrument is used to monitor a space's relative humidity. Hygrometers are available in mechanical and electronic versions, and range in price from $5 to more than $60, depending upon the model.
Set the hygrometer in a space in your home that is most affected by the humidity issues. Consider using more than one hygrometer if you have a large home or if you are experiencing humidity issues in multiple areas of the home. Do not set the hygrometer near any heat sources, including radiators, chimneys and space heaters.
Allow a newly-installed hygrometer to sit for at least two hours before reading. This will give the unit time to adjust to the new space's relative humidity.
Continue to read your hygrometer and adjust the humidity in your home accordingly. Attempt to maintain a relative humidity of between 30 to 50 percent to remain comfortable all year long.