Maintaining proper humidity levels indoors when temperatures drop is essential.

Getty Images

You spent all summer fighting to keep thehumidityin your house at bay.

But now that its winter, youve found yourself wondering how to return your former nemesis to your home.

Humidifier

Credit:Getty Images

Thats the thing with humidity, isnt it?

Theres either too much or not enough of it.

What Does A Humidifier Do?

Because cold air is drier than warm air, humidifiers are especially useful in the winter.

Humidity is defined as the concentration of water vapor present in the air.

Some research has shown that cool-mist humidifiers can even ease coughing and congestion due to cold and flu.

But without the proper maintenance, they can also cause more harm than good.

Julie Baughn, M.D.

recommendskeeping humidifiersclean and free from bacteria and moldby emptying the tank and drying all of its surfaces daily.

Just be careful about placement.

Tropicalhouseplantsorchids and ferns in particularwill benefit from increased levels of humidity in your home come winter.

What Is The Right Level Of Humidity?

Recommended indoor relative humidity levels during winter are typically between 35-45%.

Moisture problems likemoldgrowth, musty smells, and condensation can occur when levels go above 50%.