# What should I set my humidifier to in winter?

_Winter humidity and humidifier settings_

Utah winters are cold and **very dry**, and running a furnace dries indoor air out even more. The right humidity makes a home feel warmer and more comfortable and protects wood floors and furniture. Too much causes condensation and moisture problems.

## The right setting

For most Wasatch Front homes, aim for **30% to 40% indoor humidity**, and **lower it as the outdoor temperature drops**. When it's very cold outside, windows and exterior walls get cold enough for moisture to condense on them.

A common rule of thumb:

- **Above 20°F outside:** about 40%
- **10°F to 20°F:** about 35%
- **0°F to 10°F:** about 30%
- **Below 0°F:** about 25%

Many whole-home humidifiers have an **automatic outdoor-temperature control** that adjusts this for you, which is the easiest way to get it right.

## Signs the humidity is too low

- Static shocks
- Dry skin, lips, eyes and sinuses, and nosebleeds
- Gaps or cracks in hardwood floors, trim and furniture
- The house feels colder than the thermostat says

## Signs the humidity is too high

- Fog, condensation or frost on the inside of windows
- Water stains or peeling paint near windows
- Musty smells or mold spots

If you see condensation, turn the humidity down a few points.

## Portable vs. whole-home humidifiers

Portable units help one room but need daily refilling and cleaning. A **whole-home humidifier** mounts on your furnace and treats the entire house automatically. Types include:

- **Bypass:** simple and efficient
- **Fan-powered:** more output for larger homes
- **Steam:** the most precise control and output

## Maintenance

Utah's hard water scales humidifiers quickly. **Replace the pad or steam canister once a year**, usually before heating season, and check the drain line. A clogged pad stops working even though the humidifier seems to be running.

## How Aireo helps

We install and service whole-home humidifiers sized to your home and furnace, with the right humidity target and drain setup. Current special: **10% off** pad or canister replacement or a new humidifier (see [specials](/specials/)).

Learn more about [humidifier installation](/services/humidifier-installation/) and [indoor air quality](/services/indoor-air-quality/), or call [(385) 324-7301](tel:+13853247301).

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Source: https://www.aireohome.com/knowledge/winter-humidity-settings/
Updated: 2026-10-22T16:25:03Z