I should mention my house is about 2600 square feet open concept. We open the doors a lot in winter to let the dogs out and I do feel like it’s a little dry on main floor in winter but my hardwood floors are perfect on my main level - no issues. I want to know my options because once winter hits I will check humidity on the little thermostat /humidity checker I just bought. If the humidity is indeed low then I will be ready for a quick install.

Amy - I know this isn’t a recommendation, but when we installed our engineered hardwood floor we pretty much had to install a whole house humidifier otherwise we’d have voided the warranty. We’re in CO (very dry) so it made sense anyway. I think it’s a good call to be looking for one!

Where are you located? What temperature do you typically set the thermostat at during the winter?

Are you saying the hardwood floors on the main level are perfect, but the floor on the second floor has cracking, chips, and gaps? How does the installer explain the low humidity is affecting the second floor, but not the first floor?

I would think the humidity in your house in the summer is going to be much higher than it is in the winter. It will be interesting to see what reading you get now.

I am in NJ. I have three zones for heat and only one for AC. In summer I set AC at 68. In winter upstairs is set at 65/66. And the other zones- both downstairs are 68/69. My reading right now in my kitchen is 70 degrees with 50% humidity. Upstairs is colder at the same temp I think because AC is in the attic, But the reading is 67 degrees and 54% humidity (my husband and son just took a shower). Yes main floors are perfect but those are real hardwood and original to house about 36 years old. Upstairs are prefinished.