How To Measure Humidity In A Room Without A Hygrometer

Do you ever find yourself wondering what the humidity level is in your room? 

If so, you’re not alone! 

A lot of people don’t have a hygrometer to tell them this information. 

Luckily, there are a few ways to measure humidity without one. 

In this blog post, I will be answering how to measure humidity in a room without a hygrometer. 

And I will share three easy methods that you can use to do just that.

How To Measure Humidity In A Room Without A Hygrometer

There are various ways to measure humidity in a room without using an expensive hygrometer. 

Here are three of the most popular methods:

1. The Wet Bulb Thermometer Method

This is probably the most accurate way to measure humidity without a hygrometer. All you need are two glass thermometers.

To perform this test, leave one thermometer as is in the room. 

Then, take the other thermometer and wrap it with a wet cotton ball. 

You will need to use water at room temperature to moisten the cotton ball. 

Once the cotton is wet, place it over the bulb of the thermometer.

Now, wait for about five minutes before taking readings from both thermometers. 

The reading on the wet-bulb thermometer will be lower than that of the dry one. This difference is what we use to calculate humidity.

The difference in temperature is called the depression value. 

To calculate humidity, you will need to use a psychrometric chart. 

These are available online or in HVAC books.

2. Ice Cube Method

With this method, you will only get an idea of how close the humidity is to 100%. 

It will not give you an accurate reading, but it’s a quick way to check if the room is very humid.

To perform this test, fill a glass with room-temperature water. Place 2-3 ice cubes in the water and stir. 

Then, put the glass on a level surface in the room.

After about 5 minutes, check for condensation outside the glass. If there is condensation that has formed or dripped down, then the room is quite humid.

If there is no condensation, then the room is not very humid. 

However, this test is not very accurate and should only be used as a quick way to check humidity levels.

For more accuracy, you want to avoid performing the test in the kitchen as there is often more vapor in the kitchen than anywhere else in the house.

Also, avoid performing this test in a room where there is frequent movement as this can alter the results.

3. Use A Smartphone App

There are so many smartphone apps available for everything these days, and measuring humidity is no exception. 

All you need to do is go to your phone’s App Store and search for “humidity app.”

You will likely find several options to choose from. 

Once you have downloaded and installed the app, open it up and follow the instructions.

Each app is different, but they all work in basically the same way. 

You will hold your phone close to the area where you want to measure humidity and the app will do the rest.

These apps are usually quite accurate and they’re definitely the easiest way to measure humidity without a hygrometer.

What Is The Recommended Humidity Level In A Home?

Humidity levels often vary depending on the season. 

In the winter, it is recommended to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50%. 

This can be done with a humidifier.

In the summer, you want to avoid high humidity levels as this can lead to mold growth. 

Try to keep indoor humidity levels below 60%. If necessary, use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to help control humidity levels. 

The appropriate levels in the summer should be 40-50%. Anything above 60% can be too high.

Signs That Shows Humidity Level In Your Home Is High

There are multiple ways to tell if the humidity levels in your home are too high. They include:

• Condensation on windows: 

This is perhaps the most obvious sign that the humidity levels are too high.

• Water stains on walls or ceilings: 

If you notice water stains on your walls or ceiling, this is another sign that the humidity levels in your home are too high. These stains can be caused by condensation or actual leaks.

• Musty smells: 

A musty smell is often an indication of high humidity levels. This is because mold and mildew thrive in humid environments.

• Damp feeling: 

If you feel the dampness in the air, this is another sign that the humidity levels are too high.

• Visible mold growth: 

Mold growth is often a sign of high humidity levels. Mold can grow on walls, ceilings, furniture, or any other surface in your home.

• Peeling paint or wallpaper: 

This is another sign that the humidity levels in your home are too high. High humidity levels can cause paint or wallpaper to peel.

• Hygrometer readings:

 If you have a hygrometer, you can use it to take readings of the humidity levels in your home. Anything above 60% is too high.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action to reduce the humidity levels in your home. 

Otherwise, you could end up with serious problems like mold growth.

Signs That Shows Humidity Level In Your Home Is Low

There are various signs that indicate low humidity levels in your home. They include:

• Static electricity:

 If you notice a lot of static electricity in your home, it could be a sign that the humidity levels are too low.

• Dry skin: 

Dry skin is often a sign of low humidity levels. This is because the air is not providing enough moisture to the skin.

• Dry sinuses: 

This is another sign of low humidity levels. When the air is too dry, it can cause the sinuses to become dried out.

• Dry eyes: 

This is yet another sign of low humidity levels. The air can cause the eyes to become dry and irritated.

• Cracks in wood: 

Cracks in wood can be caused by low humidity levels. This is because the wood needs moisture to stay strong and prevent cracking.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action to increase the humidity levels in your home. 

This can be done with a humidifier.

The Importance Of Controlling Indoor Humidity Levels

You cannot underestimate the importance of controlling indoor humidity levels. 

High or low humidity levels can cause serious problems in your home. That is why it is important to take measures to keep the humidity levels under control.

Low humidity increases the risk of static electricity, dry skin, and respiratory problems. High humidity can lead to mold growth and wood damage. 

Therefore, it is important to keep the humidity levels in your home within the recommended range. 

This will help you avoid serious problems down the road.

Where To Place A Hygrometer In The House?

You want to place your hygrometer away from areas with high moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. 

You also want to avoid placing it near vents or windows. The ideal location for a hygrometer is in a central area of your home.

FAQ

What Is A Hygrometer?

A hygrometer is an instrument that is used to measure humidity. There are many different types of hygrometers on the market. The most accurate is the digital hygrometer.

Is There An App To Check The Humidity In A Room?

Yes. Nowadays, there are many apps available that can help you measure the humidity in your room. All you need is a smartphone and the right app. Just install the app and follow the instructions.

How Can I Make A Homemade Hygrometer?

Buy two glass thermometers. 

Any time you want to measure humidity, use the first method outlined in this article, that is, find the difference between the dry and wet bulb temperatures. 

Then, to get an accurate reading, look up the relative humidity on a chart that corresponds to the difference in temperature. This will give you a good estimate of the humidity in your room.

How Do I Get An Accurate Humidity Reading?

You get an accurate humidity reading by using a hygrometer. 

A hygrometer is an instrument that is specifically designed to measure humidity. You can buy a digital hygrometer for the most accurate readings.

However, avoid measuring humidity in rooms where there is a lot of moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Also, avoid measuring humidity near windows or vents. The best location for a hygrometer is in a central area of your home.

What Is The Ideal Humidity Level For A Room?

The ideal humidity level for a room is between 30% and 50%. 

Anything above 60% is too high and anything below 30% is too low. You should aim to keep the humidity levels in your home within this range to avoid problems.

Conclusion

You now know how to measure humidity in a room without a hygrometer. Just remember to take action if the humidity levels are too high or too low. 

Hopefully, this article has been helpful. Be sure to leave a comment if you have any questions.

Looking For Dehumidifier Guides?

If you’re looking for more dehumidifier resources, consider checking out our other post on Dehumidifiers.

• Can A Dehumidifier Be Plugged Into An Extension Cord?
• How Well Do Desiccant Dehumidifiers Work?

References: Indoor humidity and your family’s health, Mold Course Chapter 2, health effects of relative humidity in indoor environments, What Is A Hygrometer?