What humidity should I keep my house at in winter?

35% relative humidity is the ideal target. This prevents wood movement, reduces static electricity, improves comfort, and avoids condensation on windows. A hygrometer costs $15–30 and provides the reading you need.

Do I need a whole-house humidifier?

For protecting woodwork, it is the most effective single investment. Portable humidifiers work for one room but require daily refilling and monitoring. A whole-house unit connected to your furnace maintains consistent humidity throughout the house automatically.

Should I seal unfinished wood before winter?

Yes. Any exposed end grain, unfinished shelves or raw wood surfaces should be sealed with finish or clear coat before winter. Unsealed wood exchanges moisture five to ten times faster than sealed wood, and it is the exposed surfaces that move the most.

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Fall Carpentry Maintenance Checklist for Calgary

Updated July 25, 20262 min read

The short answer

The most important fall maintenance step for Calgary woodwork is setting up humidity control before the furnace season begins. Holding indoor humidity near 35% through winter prevents the majority of joint opening, paint cracking and door alignment problems. Everything else on the fall checklist is secondary to this single step.

The fall preparation checklist

Service or install a whole-house humidifier before furnace season
Test indoor humidity with a hygrometer — target 35% through winter
Seal any visible end grain on unfinished trim or shelving
Touch up paint or finish on any areas that showed wear over summer
Check weatherstripping on exterior doors — drafts dry out adjacent woodwork
Lubricate door hinges with a dry lubricant before winter dryness increases friction
Inspect and adjust cabinet hardware while access is easy
Check that all interior doors close freely — adjust hinges if needed before winter drift
Seal any gaps between trim and wall with paintable caulk
Note the current condition of all millwork for spring comparison

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Why fall timing matters

Humidifier installation: Installing a humidifier in October means it is operational before the furnace runs continuously. Waiting until January means weeks of low humidity before the system is ready.
End grain sealing: Unsealed end grain is the fastest moisture exchange point on any piece of wood. Sealing it before winter reduces the rate of moisture loss and the resulting movement.
Touch-up before dryness: Minor paint chips and finish wear are easier to touch up in fall conditions. In deep winter, paint and finish cure slowly in the dry air, extending the project time.
Hinge lubrication: Dry winter air increases friction in unlubricated hinges. A dry lubricant (graphite or PTFE) applied in fall prevents the squeaking and sticking that develops by January.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What humidity should I keep my house at in winter?: 35% relative humidity is the ideal target. This prevents wood movement, reduces static electricity, improves comfort, and avoids condensation on windows. A hygrometer costs $15–30 and provides the reading you need.
Do I need a whole-house humidifier?: For protecting woodwork, it is the most effective single investment. Portable humidifiers work for one room but require daily refilling and monitoring. A whole-house unit connected to your furnace maintains consistent humidity throughout the house automatically.
Should I seal unfinished wood before winter?: Yes. Any exposed end grain, unfinished shelves or raw wood surfaces should be sealed with finish or clear coat before winter. Unsealed wood exchanges moisture five to ten times faster than sealed wood, and it is the exposed surfaces that move the most.

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