Indoor Humidity Monitor Meter

Step outside on a summer day, and it's easy to feel the effects of humidity -- sticky skin, a sweaty brow, air thick with moisture. Humidity makes you sneeze. The word humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. "Humidity promotes mold growth and dust mite population growth. Lower humidity will result in lower mold and dust mite growth.

humidity sensor, hygrometers

Low indoor humidity is a bigger issue in winter months, when heaters and cooler temperatures combine to lower the moisture levels in the air.  "High humidity in a home can cause rot. Condensation provides [bugs] with the water they need," explained Jill Mayfield, Information Coordinator for Austin Energy Green Building Program, which helps Austin residents build more efficient homes and buildings.

An accurate hygrometer is expensive and bulky and I was surprised at the seemingly high humidity accuracy of the Acurite which I purchased from Amazon. This handy, little device is the most attractive looking hygrometer I've ever owned. Other than its stated purpose of reading humidity levels, it has several other features most other hygrometers don't have: It can lie flat, stick to a metal surface via the magnet on its back or, like many small kitchen timers, be positioned vertically.

The attractive features of the AcuRite are: seemingly very accurate humidity and temperature readings across a useful range of humidities and temperatures, records the max and min humidity and temperature occurred within 24 hr interval and low cost. Also the display font for humidity is large enough for convenient viewing. These features are not expected from a $10 device.

"If you don't build properly, [moisture] can condense inside walls and cause rot. weather.com's Indoor Humidity Meter (at the bottom of this page) will help you determine what's happening with the water vapor inside your home. Then, if the indoor humidity is too high, experts recommend you tackle the problem with dehumidifiers, ventilation, air conditioning and even what you put on your floors.

"If you're getting ready to install an air conditioner, make sure you size the unit properly. You need one ton of air conditioning for every 600 square feet of indoor space. "It's simpler to put humidity in the house. Work with an air conditioning contractor to see how you can put a little more humidity in the home," advised Mayfield.

This AcuRite 00613A1 unit is so inexpensive and yet displays the current humidity and temperature; an indicator showing whether the current humidity is low, normal, or high; and the preceding 24 hour low and high temperature and humidity.

Indoor Humidity Monitor Meter

• La Crosse Technology WT-137U Digital Thermometer/Hygrometer with Comfort Meter by La Crosse Technology
• AcuRite 00613A1 Indoor Humidity Monitor