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During the heating season, the average home may
have a relative humidity as low as 13%.
Amazingly, this is about ½ the relative humidity in
the Sahara Desert!What
should indoor relative humidity be, then?
That depends on outside temperatures, as indicated
below:
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When
The Outdoor Temperature Is:
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The
Relative Humidity Should Be Maintained At:
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+40
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45%
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+30
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40%
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+20
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35%
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+10
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30%
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0
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25%
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-10
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20%
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-20
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15%
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A
humidifier needs a humidistat (counterpart of the thermostat)
which can be adjusted as often as necessary to provide the
desired level of humidity. The most recent advancement in
humidification is a humidifier that automatically delivers the
optimum relative humidity without periodic homeowner
adjustment.These
humidistats adjust the humidity in the home 86,000 times per
day.
The
amount of humidity required in a home is dependent to a
certain extent to the way in which the home was constructed.A well insulated house with vapor barriers in the
walls, ceilings and slabs, and properly fitting storm doors
and windows may need
only three (3) gallons of additional moisture per day.A house of similar size but loosely constructed might
require five
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(5) times as much moisture in the same period.
Properly
humidified air can help repel problems aggravated by too dry
air, such as asthma or allergies.
Dry thirsty air evaporates moisture from your skin, a
cooling process that makes you feel chilly.However, with humidified levels raised to recommended
levels you can dial your thermostat down to 68O and
still feel comfortable.
Heated
air dries out wood framing around doors and windows, too.Shrinkage of the wood occurs, leaving spaces that
permit cold, outside air to infiltrate the home, lowering the
inside temperature and requiring more heating.Proper humidity reduces annoying wintertime static
electricity shocks.
The
damaging effects of heated, parched air can cause separation
of wood in floors, trim and furniture…excessive wear of
fabrics and carpets…loss of piano tone quality…cracks in
walls or ceilings, it can cause plants to dry out so they
droop and turn brown.
Proper
humidification provides the protection that is needed.
If
you have concerns or questions about humidity issues, call us
to see how we can help
PROACTIVE
PREVENTATIVE
PRE-SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
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