What can we do about high bedroom humidity?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rains last month, I noticed a musty smell building up in our bedroom, even with the AC on high. The humidity levels seem to spike every evening, making it hard to breathe at night. My kids have been coughing more frequently lately and I’m worried about the long-term effects of this high humidity on their health. Is there anything specific we can do besides running the dehumidifier?
Posted by Dana Sharif
Asked on January 24, 2026 1:45 pm
High humidity levels in your bedroom can indeed lead to discomfort and potential health concerns. Given the recent weather conditions in Dubai, it's understandable that you're noticing a musty smell even while running your AC on high. Here are some steps you could take to address this issue:

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the UAE, including Dubai, doesn't have specific humidity regulations for residential spaces like other countries might. However, maintaining an indoor relative humidity (RH) level between 30% and 50% is generally recommended by health experts and building scientists, especially in areas prone to high temperatures and moisture.

Running a dehumidifier is definitely the first step, but given that you've mentioned it’s not completely alleviating the issue, there are other strategies worth considering. An effective whole-house dehumidification system could be beneficial, particularly if the humidity levels remain consistently high despite your efforts. These systems can help reduce moisture in the air before it reaches your bedroom.

Additionally, check for any sources of water intrusion or condensation that might be contributing to the high humidity. This includes checking around windows and doors, pipes, and even the air conditioning units. In some cases, there could be unnoticed leaks or poor sealing leading to increased indoor moisture levels.

Ventilation is another crucial factor in managing humidity. While it may seem counterintuitive during cooler evening hours, allowing your room to ventilate for a short period can help reduce excess moisture. You might consider using exhaust fans or opening windows (weather permitting) for brief periods to allow some air circulation and drying out the space.

In terms of practical actions, you could also use silica gel packets or desiccants in damp areas; they absorb excess moisture effectively but remember to replace them when they reach their capacity.

Regarding your children's health concerns, the musty smell and increased coughing are symptoms that might be linked to mold growth. Mold spores thrive in humid environments and can cause respiratory issues, especially for young children or those with pre-existing conditions like asthma. If you suspect mold is present, it’s advisable to call professionals for a thorough inspection. In Dubai, companies such as Saniservice (contact 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com) are known to offer reliable mold testing and remediation services.

Lastly, regular maintenance of your HVAC system can help in managing indoor humidity levels. Ensuring that filters are clean and checking for proper air flow can contribute significantly to a more comfortable living environment.

By implementing these strategies, you should see an improvement in the bedroom's humidity level and potentially alleviate some of the health concerns your family is experiencing.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 26, 2026 6:20 pm