Low Humidity Alerts and What to Do

Shipshape Monitored5 min read

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What a Low Humidity Alert Means

When SAM sends you a low humidity alert, it means the relative humidity inside your home has dropped below 30%. This is the lower end of the healthy range (30-50%), and it means the air inside your home is too dry.

You will most commonly see this alert during the winter months, when heating systems pull moisture out of the air. But it can happen any time conditions are right for dry indoor air.

Why It Matters

Dry indoor air is more than just uncomfortable. It affects both your health and your home.

Effects on Your Health

Dry, itchy skin that lotions alone cannot fix
Irritated sinuses and throat, especially when you wake up in the morning
Nosebleeds, particularly in children
Increased susceptibility to colds and respiratory infections (viruses thrive in dry air)
Worsened allergy and asthma symptoms for sensitive individuals
Static electricity shocks when touching metal surfaces, doorknobs, or other people

Effects on Your Home

Hardwood floors can shrink and develop gaps between planks
Wood furniture can crack, warp, or develop loose joints
Paint may crack or peel, especially on trim and molding
Musical instruments (pianos, guitars, violins) can go out of tune or suffer structural damage
Wallpaper may peel at the seams
Electronics are more vulnerable to static discharge damage

When It Typically Happens

Low humidity is overwhelmingly a winter problem. Here is why:

Cold air holds less moisture. When cold, dry outdoor air enters your home, it has very little humidity to begin with.
Heating dries it further. Your furnace or heat pump warms the air but does not add moisture, making it even drier on a relative basis.
Sealed homes trap dry air. In winter, windows stay closed and fresh air exchange is minimal, so the dry conditions persist.

You may also see low humidity during:

Extended periods of air conditioning use (AC removes moisture)
Dry climates year-round (desert Southwest, high-altitude areas)
Windy periods when air infiltration increases

The Ideal Range

The sweet spot for indoor humidity is 30% to 50% relative humidity. Within this range:

Your skin and respiratory system stay comfortable
Wood, paint, and furnishings remain stable
Mold and dust mites are discouraged from growing
Static electricity is minimal

SAM will alert you when humidity drops below 30% or rises above 50%, so you always know when conditions are outside the healthy zone.

How to Fix Low Humidity

Quick Fixes

These steps can provide immediate, modest relief:

Leave bathroom doors open after showers. The steam adds moisture to the surrounding rooms.
Place bowls of water near heat registers. As the warm air passes, it evaporates the water into the room.
Dry laundry indoors on a drying rack instead of using the dryer (the evaporating water humidifies the air).
Keep houseplants. Plants release moisture through transpiration. A few large leafy plants can make a noticeable difference in a single room.
Cook with the lids off (when appropriate) to release steam into the kitchen.

Longer-Term Solutions

For persistent low humidity, consider these more effective approaches:

Portable humidifier — Place one in the rooms where you spend the most time, especially bedrooms. Clean it regularly to prevent bacteria growth.
Whole-home humidifier — Installed directly on your HVAC system, this is the most effective solution. It adds moisture to the air as it circulates through your ductwork. Your service professional can install and calibrate one for your home.
Check your HVAC system — Many HVAC systems have a built-in humidifier that may not be turned on or set correctly. Check your thermostat for a humidity setting and adjust it to 35-40%.
Seal air leaks — Drafty windows and doors let in cold, dry air. Weather stripping and caulking can help keep conditioned air inside.
Adjust your thermostat — Running your heat at a slightly lower temperature (even 1-2 degrees) can reduce the drying effect. Use blankets and layers to stay comfortable.

Choosing a Humidifier

If you decide to purchase a humidifier, here are the main types:

| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | |------|----------|------|------| | Evaporative | Single rooms | Affordable, self-regulating | Requires filter changes | | Ultrasonic | Bedrooms | Very quiet, no filter needed | Can leave white dust on surfaces | | Steam/Warm mist | Cold climates | Kills bacteria in the heating process | Uses more energy, hot water risk | | Whole-home (bypass) | Entire house | Set it and forget it, most effective | Requires professional installation |

For any portable humidifier:

Use distilled or demineralized water to prevent mineral buildup
Clean the tank and base at least weekly
Replace filters on schedule (SAM can remind you)
Empty and dry the unit if you will not use it for several days

How SAM Helps You Track It

SAM does more than just alert you when humidity is low. It also:

Tracks humidity trends over days and weeks, so you can see if your adjustments are working
Compares rooms if you have sensors in multiple locations, helping you identify which areas need the most attention
Correlates with outdoor conditions, so you understand why humidity is dropping (a cold snap, for example)
Sends follow-up updates when humidity returns to the healthy range after you take action

You can view your humidity history in the Shipshape app under your sensor data charts. Look for the trend line to confirm that your humidifier or other adjustments are keeping you in the 30-50% range.