How to Manage Your Home’s Moisture or Humidification

Control humidification in your home for maximum comfort

Discussion of the design of your home’s HVAC system should include controlling the moisture levels appropriate to the local climate. The addition of moisture or humidification may be required in colder climates during winter. Additionally, moisture can be removed (dehumidification) during the summer. Extreme warm climates may require additional dehumidification beyond what your air conditioner can provide.

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Winter Humidification

Relative humidity (RH) is the percent of moisture in the air compared to the maxi-mum amount of moisture this air can hold at the same condition. Warm air will hold more moisture than cold air. As cold ventilation air mechanically or naturally (by infiltration) enters your home, it can be drier than the driest desert and seriously lower the humidity levels. Additionally, the psychrometrics of air show us that at 70°F air can hold about 12 times as much moisture as 10°F air. Additionally, when 10°F outside air is heated to 70°F the humidity level goes from 70% to 7%. Normal household functions (such as cooking, showering, laundry) also have an impact on the relative humidity in your home.

Furthermore, dry air tends to pull moisture from the wood and homes furnishings. The effects of bacteria, viruses, fungi, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma, and ozone production can be minimized by higher humidity levels. Studies have shown that wintertime operation at 68°F/60% RH provides the same level of occupant comfort as does 72°F/ 30% RH; so lower utility bills also result with additional moisture in your home.

Additionally, automatic, computer-controlled humidifiers can control the humidity levels in your home, providing enough moisture for a healthy comfortable home and within the limits to prevent window and cold surface condensation.

Summer Dehumidification

High moisture levels result in occupant discomfort and annoyances. Also, possible serious health issues can arise as they relate to bacteria, viruses, fungi, mites (dust mites and mold), allergic rhinitis and asthma. Studies show that summertime operation at 78A°F / 30% RH provide the same level of occupant comfort as does 74A°F / 70% RH. This lower humidity level will provide increased comfort; lower utility bills and less risk of the above health issues associated with high humidity.

Moreover, your air conditioning system and/or stand-alone dehumidifier are designed to remove moisture (latent load) and decrease the RH levels in your home. In humid areas of the country however, your air conditioner or dehumidifier may not be capable of lowering the levels below 60% RH. In such cases, Trademasters may suggest alternative equipment and control strategies that include staging, by-pass, reheat or whole house ventilation/dehumidification approaches.

Such systems can provide real comfort and greatly reduce aggravations and health issues associated with high humidity.

Additionally, the design of your heating and cooling system requires more than the installation of a furnace/boiler and air conditioner. A Trademasters expert understands the building science and design principles to bring real comfort and a healthy indoor environment to your home.

Understanding humidification and proper humidity levels

Finally, moisture levels play an important role in providing comfort. When humidity levels are not properly maintained and controlled, aggravating discomforts, health issues and damage to your home and it’s furnishings can result. Call Trademasters to discuss humidification in your home. Our experts can give you a better understanding the design and comfort of a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.