Humidity below 40 per cent – what to do?

The humidity in our living and working environments has a significant impact on our well-being and health. A value of at least 40 percent humidity is generally considered optimal. But what happens when this important value is not reached? For specialist planners and installers of ventilation systems, it is crucial to precisely regulate indoor humidity in order to maintain both the health aspects of indoor air quality and the structural integrity of the building. In particular, when humidity is below 40%, not only are the respiratory tract and skin health at risk, but materials such as wood, plaster, and textile interiors can also be negatively affected by the low humidity.

Why is a humidity level of at least 40 percent important?

Health effects on occupants: Humidity levels below 40% can have serious health consequences, especially in environments where people spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms and offices. Physiological reactions include:

• Respiratory tract irritation: Dry air promotes dehydration of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, resulting in increased susceptibility to viruses and bacteria. This is particularly problematic in conjunction with the use of mechanical ventilation systems, as these can further reduce the moisture content of the room air through the constant supply of fresh air.
• Dry eyes and skin irritation: Low humidity can cause significant evaporation of fluid from the mucous membranes and skin, which in turn promotes inflammation and irritation.

Humidity between 40 and 60 percent is ideal

The ideal humidity for indoor spaces is between 40% and 60%. This range not only promotes the well-being of occupants, but also ensures the health and long-term stability of buildings and furniture. Professional planners and installers should understand how to efficiently maintain this range through proper planning and installation of ventilation systems.

Health benefits of ideal humidity:

Humidity between 40% and 60% offers a variety of health benefits that are crucial for occupants and indoor air quality:

• Respiratory tract and skin protection: In the range of 40% to 60%, humidity remains within a healthy range that does not dry out the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract and skin. This reduces the risk of irritation, allergies, and respiratory diseases that can occur when humidity is too low.
• Reduced allergens and pollutants: A constant humidity between 40% and 60% helps to reduce the spread of allergens such as dust, mites, and fungal spores in the air. Humidity that is too low or too high can cause these particles to circulate in the air, increasing the risk of respiratory and skin problems.
• Better sleep quality: This humidity range provides optimal support for the sleeping environment. Stable humidity promotes deep, restful sleep and reduces the risk of nocturnal breathing difficulties, which often occur when humidity is low.

Technical implementation: How can the ideal humidity of 40-60% be achieved?

Precise regulation of humidity between 40% and 60% is a technical challenge for installers, but one that can be successfully mastered through the use of appropriate technologies and systems. Here are some of the most important considerations and solutions:

• Ventilation strategies: Controlled ventilation systems: The implementation of decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery or central ventilation systems with active humidity control enables efficient humidity control. Decentralized systems are particularly effective in existing buildings and smaller apartments, while central systems ensure uniform humidity control in larger buildings or new constructions. Automatic humidity control: The use of automated control units with built-in humidity sensors enables precise adjustment of air humidity. These systems adapt to the current humidity and regulate the air exchange accordingly without manual intervention.
• Controlled ventilation systems: The implementation of decentralized ventilation systems with heat recovery or central ventilation systems with active humidity control enables efficient control of air humidity. Decentralized systems are particularly effective in existing buildings and smaller apartments, while central systems ensure uniform humidity control in larger buildings or new constructions.
• Automatic humidity control: The use of automated control units with built-in humidity sensors enables precise adjustment of air humidity. These systems adapt to the current humidity and regulate the air exchange accordingly without manual intervention.
• Heat recovery systems: The installation of heat recovery systems in ventilation systems enables a continuous supply of fresh air while reducing energy consumption. These systems can be combined with humidifiers and dehumidifiers to ensure that the humidity always remains within the optimal range.

WHAT IS A HUMIDITY SENSOR AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

A humidity sensor is an important component of modern bathroom fans, which is used to measure the humidity in a room. This sensor detects moisture in the air and triggers corresponding reactions from the fan to regulate the room climate.

A humidity sensor works using electronic components that can detect changes in humidity. As soon as the sensor detects increased humidity, it sends a signal to the bathroom fan to activate it. The fan then begins to extract the humid air and replace it with fresh, drier air. This automatic process ensures efficient dehumidification of the room and creates a pleasant indoor climate.

The humidity sensor works precisely and reacts sensitively to changes in humidity. Integrating this sensor into a bathroom fan ensures effective air quality, which counteracts both mold growth and unpleasant odors. A bathroom fan with a humidity sensor therefore offers an intelligent solution for automatically regulating the humidity in your bathroom.

What to do if the humidity is above 60%?

Health effects on occupants: Humidity above 60% can cause a number of health problems, especially in poorly ventilated or inadequately air-conditioned rooms. The most common symptoms include:

• Respiratory diseases: Excessive humidity promotes the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms that can deteriorate air quality and promote respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies.
• Unpleasant indoor air: High humidity can make the indoor climate unpleasant, which can lead to poor sleep quality and increased fatigue.

Technical challenges for installers: If the humidity is permanently above 60%, technical challenges arise that require precise planning and installation of ventilation and dehumidification systems:

• Mold growth: Permanently high humidity promotes mold growth on walls, ceilings, and furniture. Mold can not only impair air quality, but also cause significant damage to the building structure.
• Moisture exposure of materials: Moisture can affect the structure of building materials such as wood, plaster, and metals, leading to long-term damage and costs.

Technical implications during installation:

• Precise air flow calculation: To ensure that the ventilation system regulates humidity effectively, it is necessary to calculate the required air volume accurately. This requires taking into account the size of the room and its use.
• Humidity sensors and automation: The installation of humidity sensors in ventilation systems enables automatic control of humidity. This allows the system to automatically extract air when the optimum humidity level is exceeded.

Solutions through ventilation systems:

The role of decentralized ventilation systems in regulating humidity

Decentralized ventilation systems are an excellent solution for efficiently regulating room humidity in both old and new buildings. Here are a few reasons why they are particularly advantageous:

1. Continuous ventilation

Our decentralized ventilation systems ensure continuous air exchange without the need to open windows. This is particularly advantageous in highly insulated new buildings, where natural air exchange is limited, and in old buildings, where insufficient insulation can lead to moisture problems.

2. Heat recovery

Models such as the WRG RONDO, WRG PLUS, and WRG MAKANI® R / Q from Ventomaxx are equipped with heat recovery functions. These systems help to regulate indoor air efficiently by recovering heat from the exhaust air, thus minimizing energy consumption. This is particularly useful for maintaining ideal room humidity while reducing heating costs.

3. Adaptable control

Our ventilation systems are equipped with intelligent control systems that automatically adapt to the needs of the room. This enables precise regulation of humidity, regardless of external conditions or room usage.

4. High sound insulation

Another advantage of our decentralized ventilation systems is their high level of sound insulation. The units are designed to reduce noise to a minimum, contributing to a pleasant indoor climate.

Through continuous ventilation, heat recovery, and intelligent control systems, our products help to achieve the perfect room humidity, thereby improving the well-being of the occupants.

More exciting articles

In our extensive collection of articles, you will find a wealth of information about ventilation systems and indoor climate.

• Standard sound level difference: A detailed look
• Learn everything you need to know about standard sound level difference and how it plays a crucial role in the planning and implementation of ventilation systems. The standard sound level difference has a significant impact on sound insulation and noise protection in buildings.
• Pressure switches
• Everything you need to know about pressure switches: how they work, areas of application, and advantages. Discover high-quality pressure switch solutions from Ventomaxx for central and decentralized ventilation systems.
• Ventilation in the bathroom Tips
• Get valuable tips on effective ventilation in the bathroom to prevent mold growth and ensure a healthy indoor climate.
• Is decentralized ventilation quiet?
• Learn more about the noise level of decentralized ventilation systems. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages and provide important information on noise generation.

Our articles offer in-depth insights into the world of ventilation systems and help to provide you with optimal support in planning and implementation.

Humidity has a significant impact on the indoor climate and the health of occupants, as well as on the building structure. If the humidity is too low (below 40%), this can lead to health problems such as dry airways, skin irritation, and increased susceptibility to infections. Too low humidity can also damage materials such as wood, textiles, and furniture by causing cracks and dry damage. On the other hand, excessive humidity (above 60%) is just as problematic, as it promotes the formation of mold, which can lead to health risks such as allergies, respiratory diseases, and asthma. In addition, high humidity levels can damage the building fabric by leading to material decay, corrosion, and moisture damage.

A well-balanced level of humidity in the room allows us to breathe better, promotes healthy sleep, and improves our concentration and productivity. Especially in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and other indoor spaces where we spend a lot of time, humidity is an important factor that should not be neglected.