What Is Considered High Humidity? Is High Humidity Good? Its Harmful Effects?

1/ What is high humidity and what level of humidity is considered high?

High humidity is the condition where the air contains a large amount of water vapor, typically measured by relative humidity (%). When humidity exceeds 60%, the air begins to feel damp. If the humidity reaches 70% or higher, it is considered high and reaches a saturated level (maximum humidity), which can affect health, objects, and the living environment.

High air humidity reaches 70% or above 

When indoor humidity levels rise, you may encounter several phenomena such as: damp and slippery floors, condensation on windows, moldy walls, clothes taking longer to dry and developing unpleasant odors, etc. High humidity causes the common phenomenon of the humid season, which is often seen in the Northern provinces and some Central provinces after the spring season. The ideal humidity level in living spaces typically ranges from 45% to 60%, ensuring comfort and limiting the growth of bacteria and mold.

2/ Causes of high humidity

What are the causes of high humidity?

High humidity is caused by low pressure drawing water vapor up, and strong thermal convection causing the vapor to rise and then condense. When the amount of water in the atmosphere is high, the air can hold more moisture. If the air is nearly saturated, the water vapor struggles to evaporate, leading to an increase in humidity. These factors combine to create a damp atmosphere, which can easily lead to rain and mold growth.

High humidity creates a damp atmosphere and can easily lead to rain

In addition, daily activities such as cooking, bathing, washing clothes, or drying clothes indoors also contribute to the increase in water vapor, leading to higher humidity levels. Moreover, poorly ventilated homes, lack of windows, or insufficient ventilation systems allow moisture to accumulate easily.

Especially, houses near ponds, lakes, rivers, seas, or those with leaking water systems will experience higher humidity due to water vapor rising and seeping into the living space, affecting air quality and human health.

Does high humidity cause rain?

High humidity can be a sign of rain, but it doesn't always lead to rainfall. When the humidity reaches near 100%, the likelihood of cloud formation and rain increases. However, if the temperature and pressure conditions are not favorable, high humidity can persist without causing rain.

Does high humidity make it hot or cold? 

If the temperature is high and the humidity is high: The air will feel hot and uncomfortable because sweat can't evaporate quickly, reducing the body's ability to cool itself. This makes the body feel hotter and more uncomfortable.

If the temperature is low and the humidity is high: The air will feel cold and damp, causing the body to lose heat more easily. This makes the sensation of cold more pronounced, as the water vapor in the air can intensify the feeling of chill.

3/ Is high humidity good? The harmful effects of high humidity

High humidity is not only undesirable but also has many negative impacts on health, daily activities, and the preservation of household items. When the humidity in the air exceeds acceptable levels, the living space becomes stuffy, creating a hot and uncomfortable feeling, especially during hot and humid weather.

The harmful effects of high humidity on health

High humidity creates a damp environment that promotes the growth of bacteria, mold, and allergens, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma, especially for the elderly and children with weaker immune systems.

How does high humidity cause discomfort?

When the humidity in the air rises, especially during the season of humidity, the indoor space becomes stuffy and suffocating, making the body feel heavy and fatigued. The accumulated moisture makes the air damp and uncomfortable, affecting daily life quality.

Additionally, clothes and bedding become damp, take longer to dry, and develop unpleasant odors. Wearing damp clothes can cause a cold sensation and even skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

How does high humidity affect the house and belongings?

First, wooden items and paper documents are prone to mold, warping, and damage, reducing their value and aesthetic appeal. Wooden furniture such as tables, chairs, and cabinets may crack or deform, while paper items like documents and books can become moldy or damaged due to exposure to high humidity.

High humidity affect housed and belongings

In addition, electronic devices such as televisions, computers, phones, and other household appliances are also very vulnerable to damage from moisture entering their internal components. Water can cause short circuits, damage, and even fires if not properly protected.

Walls and ceilings are the parts most affected by high humidity. They are often prone to mold growth, peeling paint, and deterioration, which not only reduce aesthetic appeal but also affect the structural integrity of the building.

4/ How to reduce high humidity

With the risks that high humidity brings, as mentioned above, many people feel worried and confused about how to alleviate this issue. If your home is facing high humidity, let's explore some effective solutions below to address this problem.

Methods to reduce humidity in the house.

• Open windows and improve ventilation: If the outside air is dry and sunny in the afternoon, open the windows and turn on the exhaust fan to push the humid air out. This helps improve air circulation, reducing moisture buildup in the living space, creating a fresher and more comfortable environment.
• Regularly clean floors, walls, and windows with a dry cloth: This helps prevent moisture accumulation, preventing slippery floors, moldy walls, and condensation on windows.
• Use orange peels, tea grounds, coffee grounds, etc., to eliminate musty odors: This keeps the space dry and fresh, with a natural, pleasant fragrance.

Use Coffee Grounds to Remove Musty Odors

• Use a two-way air conditioner with dry mode: The air conditioner not only cools but also helps maintain stable humidity levels in the space, preventing prolonged dampness. This is especially useful during rainy days or in the "nồm" season.
• Burn scented candles or essential oils: Scented candles, especially beeswax candles, can help absorb some moisture and create a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere. Using essential oils like lemongrass, cinnamon, or eucalyptus can also help eliminate musty odors and create a fresher, cooler feeling.

Use scented candles to create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere

• Limit drying clothes indoors: Drying clothes indoors can increase the amount of water vapor in the air. Instead, if possible, dry clothes outdoors or use a clothes dryer to prevent the living space from becoming damp.
• Use activated charcoal or moisture-absorbing beads: Activated charcoal or moisture-absorbing beads can help absorb excess moisture in the air. Place them in areas that are frequently damp, such as closets, corners of rooms, or bedrooms, to keep the space dry and comfortable.
• Use a dehumidifier: An effective solution to reduce humidity indoors, especially on rainy days or during the "nồm" season. A dehumidifier works by collecting and removing excess moisture from the air, helping to maintain stable humidity levels at an ideal range.

Use Kosmen dehumidifiers for effective humidity control

Among the methods to reduce high humidity, using  household dehumidifier is currently the most effective and convenient solution. In addition to basic dehumidification, modern dehumidifiers are equipped with many useful features such as clothes drying mode, air purification with negative ion technology, automatic timer, and overload protection.

Here are the dehumidifier models that help address the discomfort and inconvenience caused by high humidity, contributing to protecting the health of the whole family.

1/ Kosmen KM-12N Dehumidifier

With a dehumidification capacity of up to 12 liters per day, the Kosmen KM-12N is the ideal choice for small spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, or areas with an area of less than 40m². The machine is also equipped with outstanding features such as sterilization, air filtration using negative ion technology, along with the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and control remotely via an app.

Specifications

• Product name: Kosmen KM-12N Household Dehumidifier
• Capacity: 12 liters/day (30°C 80% RH)
• Operating range: 10 - 40m²
• Noise level: ≤ 40 dB
• Water tank capacity: 3 liters
• Warranty: 24 months
• Features: Timer, sleep mode, clothes drying, negative ion air filtration

Kosmen KM-12N Dehumidifier

2/ Kosmen KM-20N dehumidifier

The Kosmen KM-20N operates with a dehumidification capacity of 20 liters per day, making it a suitable choice for spaces ranging from 40m² to 80m². It has the ability to dehumidify quickly and efficiently, while being energy-saving. The unit comes with a digital control panel and a touch LED screen. With smart features such as child lock, clothes drying mode, timer, and memory to store setting history, it provides great convenience for users.

Specifications

• Product name: Kosmen KM-20N Household Dehumidifier
• Capacity: 20 liters/day (at 30°C, 80% RH)
• Noise level: ≤ 40 dB
• Sterilization and air filtration using negative ion technology
• Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control via app
• Wastewater tank: 3 liters
• Smart features: Clothes drying mode, timer mode, adjustable humidity levels, child lock, memory function to store settings history

Kosmen KM-20N Dehumidifier

3/ Kosmen KM-30N Dehumidifier

With a dehumidification capacity of up to 30 liters per day, the Kosmen KM-30N is the ideal solution for large spaces ranging from 70m² to 105m². The unit operates quickly and efficiently, equipped with a comprehensive air filtration system including a coarse filter, HEPA H13 filter, and activated carbon filter, ensuring optimal filtration performance.

Additionally, the dehumidifier uses a durable Panasonic compressor, maintaining stable dehumidification performance. Combined with negative ion technology, it helps eliminate bacteria, fine dust, and odors, creating a fresh and clean atmosphere.

Specifications

• Product name: Kosmen KM-30N Household Dehumidifier
• Capacity: 30 liters/day (at 30°C, 80% RH)
• Power supply: 220V single phase
• Wastewater tank: 5 liters
• Advanced air filtration system
• Fast dehumidification, energy-saving
• Smart features: Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control via app, clothes drying mode, timer mode, air purification using negative ions, adjustable humidity settings, child lock, memory function to store setting history

Kosmen KM-30N Dehumidifier

4/ Kosmen KM-60S Dehumidifier

With a dehumidification capacity of 60 liters per day, the Kosmen KM-60S is the ideal choice for spaces ranging from 50m² to 110m². The unit is equipped with a large wastewater tank, minimizing the need for frequent water drainage, and features an alert system when the tank is full. Additionally, it offers smart features such as clothes drying mode, a timer, and adjustable humidity control to meet specific needs, ensuring convenience and optimal performance.

Specifications

• Product name: Kosmen KM-60S Household Dehumidifier
• Suitable for spaces: 50 - 110m²
• Capacity: 60 liters/day (at 30°C, 80% RH)
• Noise level: ≤ 51 dB
• Sterilization and air filtration using negative ion technology
• Large wastewater tank: 8 liters
• Smart features: Clothes drying mode, 1-24 hour timer, adjustable humidity control, child lock, memory function to store settings history, and full tank alert system

Kosmen KM-60S Dehumidifier

Through this article, you now have clear answers to questions like what humidity level is considered high, whether high humidity is good, and the potential harms it causes, as well as effective solutions to address humidity issues.

We hope the information from Kosmen helps you feel more comfortable during those damp days. If you need a dehumidifier for your home, don’t hesitate to contact Kosmen for advice and special offers!

KOSMEN - GERMAN BRAND

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