Your home also breathes. Have you stopped to think about how this affects your well-being?
Humidity, even though we don't always see it, can have a lot to do with how we feel at home.
In this article, I invite you to dive into a topic that often goes unnoticed, but is essential for our health and that of the home: humidity control.
Regulating it is not just a matter of comfort, but also of prevention: of diseases, allergies, and structural problems.
And yes: it is much easier than it seems.
Why is it important to control humidity at home?
Humidity may seem harmless… until it is not.
When it spikes, it becomes the ideal environment for mold, dust mites, and bacteria that directly affect our health, especially if you are neurodivergent and your sensory system is more active, or if you live with an environmental condition like SQM or CIRS.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to mold can cause:
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma crisis
- Irritation of the eyes, skin, and throat
But be careful: too much dryness is also a problem.
Irritated airways, itchy skin, dry eyes, sensory fatigue... sound familiar?
The key is balance. It's always about balance.
And these tips will help you achieve it:
Practical tips for maintaining healthy humidity
1. Ventilate every day
Open the windows for at least a few minutes several times a day. Fresh air is the first step to regulating humidity.
Carmen Ruiz shares great tips on ventilation in her interview for ATÍPICS. You can watch it in the video interview section of the blog.
2. Use extractors in the kitchen and bathroom
Installing them (and using them!) is key to removing extra humidity when cooking or showering.
If you can, also open a window after using these spaces.
And here I will be completely honest, okay? I am very acoustically sensitive, sounds like the kitchen extractor or the vacuum cleaner irritate me a lot, so I don't have carpets at home and I open windows when I cook... well, I ventilate, but in a different way.
The important thing is that the water vapor does not get trapped inside the house.
If you are like me and can't stand these noises, look for an alternative.
3. Control the indoor temperature
Maintaining a constant temperature (ideally between 18 and 20 ºC) reduces condensation.
Not only will you save energy, but you will also prevent mold growth.
4. Dehumidifier or not?
Yes, but only if you really need it.
Remember that case when it seemed like there was humidity...
At least Joanna and Miquel called me about this, so I would try to reduce the humidity in their home, but when we measured the space, we saw that the chimney was drying the environment so much that what was actually lacking was, precisely, humidity.
Measure before acting.
And if there is real humidity, also improve the insulation and review our lifestyle habits.
If there is indeed excess humidity, then yes, the dehumidifier works wonders.
5. Check for leaks or seepage
Regularly inspect ceilings, walls, and pipes.
A small leak can be the source of a big mold problem if not detected in time.
6. Go for plants
Some plants like the English ivy or the peace lily are not only beautiful:
they help regulate humidity and purify the air.
You already know: biophilia always adds up.
Benefits of maintaining optimal humidity
When you regulate humidity well, the home transforms.
You don't just see it: you feel it.
- Respiratory health
Reduces the risk of allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections.
- Sensory and emotional well-being
A balanced environment improves your energy, mood, and concentration.
- Protection of your home
You prevent mold, material deterioration, cracks, and structural damage.
That is to say…
Regulating humidity is taking care of your health.
Taking care of your home.
And taking care of those who live with you.
You don't need large investments or renovations:
Small daily gestures can greatly improve your quality of life.
Your home breathes with you. Help it do so well.
With affection,
Verónica Martín
Co-founder of ATYPICALS