Why Builders Should Prioritize Balanced Humidity in Every Project

This blog contains content sponsored by AprilAire.

As a professional builder, you understand that a well-constructed home is about far more than being structurally sound and looking nice. It needs to support the long-term health, comfort, and safety of its occupants. Balanced humidity is a key factor. Maintaining indoor relative humidity between 40–60%* isn’t just a comfort standard—it directly impacts air quality, building materials, and system performance.

Why Humidity Control Should Be Part of Every Build

Whether you're working on a new construction, renovation or retrofit project, humidity control should be integrated into your Indoor Air Quality strategy. Too high or too low humidity levels affect homeowner comfort and also influence long-term durability, energy efficiency, and the quality of the indoor environment.

High Humidity: What It Means for the Home and Occupants

In regions with warm or humid climates, or during summer months, uncontrolled moisture buildup can lead to serious problems:

• Health Risks: Elevated humidity supports the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites which are known triggers for allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions
• Structural Damage: Excess moisture shows up as condensation on windows and walls, musty odors, or visible mold in damp zones like basements. Over time, this leads to material degradation: warping wood, peeling paint, and compromised finishes
• Customer Complaints: Homes that “feel damp” or smell musty become immediate points of dissatisfaction for homeowners and can result in costly callbacks or warranty claims

Low Humidity: An Issue During Cold Seasons

During winter or in colder climates, heating systems can dry out indoor air, causing different but equally important concerns:

• Health Effects: Dry indoor air leads to discomfort like dry skin, eye and throat irritation, and can worsen respiratory symptoms
• Material Impact: Wood floors creak, trim contracts, and furniture can crack under prolonged dry conditions. Paint may chip and wallpaper can delaminate as humidity drops below optimal levels
• System Performance: Static buildup and reduced moisture content can negatively affect a variety of building systems including HVAC and electrical

Integrated Solutions for Year-Round Humidity Control

Builders looking to deliver long-term performance and occupant satisfaction need to go beyond basic HVAC. Complete humidity control is key.

The following AprilAire products are rebate-eligible through HomeSphere:

• AprilAire Whole-Home Humidifiers: Ideal for winter months or arid climates, these units introduce moisture into the air through the HVAC system, maintaining Healthy Humidity throughout the house without room-by-room devices.
• AprilAire Whole-Home Dehumidifiers: A proven solution for damp climates and seasons. These units remove excess moisture efficiently which is particularly important in basements, crawl spaces, and slab-on-grade designs.
• Smart Humidity Control With AprilAire Thermostats: When combined with humidifiers and dehumidifiers, AprilAire Thermostats allow for precise control of both temperature and humidity. Builders can offer clients automated comfort, energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance demands all while helping protect the integrity of the home.