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Back to Knowledge Hub06.09.2024
Normal humidity: Indoor humidity plays a crucial role in our well-being and health. But what exactly does normal humidity mean? The answer to this question is essential for a pleasant indoor climate. In this article, we explain what is meant by normal humidity, what effects too much or too little moisture can have, and how decentralised ventilation systems can help to create optimal conditions in new and old buildings. Find out how you can optimally regulate the humidity in a room to feel completely comfortable.
Normal humidity refers to the moisture content of the air in a particular room or area. There is an optimal humidity range for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Normal humidity is measured in per cent and depends on various factors, including the ambient temperature, the season and the size of the room. Physical quantities for describing humidity Various physical quantities are used to determine the amount of water vapour in the air. Absolute humidity measures the actual amount of water vapour in the air, expressed in grams per cubic metre (g/m³). It indicates how much water vapour is actually present, regardless of the temperature of the air. Relative humidity, on the other hand, describes the ratio of the current absolute humidity to the maximum possible humidity that the air can hold at the given temperature, expressed as a percentage (%). It shows how close the humidity is to its maximum capacity and is crucial to understanding how much more water the air can hold before it is saturated and condensation occurs. Both variables together allow for a precise determination of the humidity in a room and are essential for the correct assessment and regulation of indoor humidity. The humidity in a room is usually measured with a hygrometer. A hygrometer can measure either relative or absolute. The relative hygrometer indicates the humidity in relation to the maximum possible water vapour absorption at a given temperature. Absolute hygrometers measure the actual water vapour content in grams per cubic metre of air. It is important to keep indoor humidity levels within the optimal range to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Adequate ventilation and, if necessary, the use of humidifiers or dehumidifiers can help regulate humidity and keep it at normal levels.
If the humidity level is too high or too low, it can have a variety of negative effects on our bodies and on the indoor climate. In general, a humidity level between 40% and 60% is considered ideal. Within this range, it ensures a pleasant indoor climate, protects the building from moisture damage and mould growth, and promotes the health of the residents. If the humidity is too low or too high, it can cause significant problems:
Possible effects of excessively low humidity (below 40%):
Dry skin and mucous membranes: At low humidity, the skin can dry out, which can lead to itching, cracks and scaling. The mucous membranes in the nose and throat also dry out, which can lead to irritation, dry coughs and sore throats.
Respiratory diseases: Humidity that is too low can increase susceptibility to respiratory diseases such as colds, flu and bronchitis. Dry air can cause viruses and bacteria to survive longer in the air.
Eye irritation: Dry air can also cause dry and irritated eyes, which can lead to discomfort, redness and even blurred vision.
Poorer sleep quality: Humidity that is too low can also affect the quality of your sleep. Dry air can lead to snoring, nasal congestion and dry mouth, all of which can affect a good night’s sleep.
Electronic devices: Electronic devices can also suffer from excessively low humidity. Dry air can cause sensitive parts in devices to dry out, which can lead to malfunctions or even failures.
Possible effects of humidity levels that are too high (over 60%):
Mould: increased risk of mould growth, especially on walls, ceilings and in corners.
Health problems: increased risk of respiratory problems, allergies and asthma due to mould spores and mites.
Unpleasant odours: musty, mouldy smell due to stagnant moisture and mould growth.
Increased occurrence of pests: Increased attraction of moisture-loving pests such as silverfish and mites.
Damage to the building fabric: damp brickwork, peeling wallpaper and damage to wooden structures due to moisture retention.
Room Type | Ideal Humidity Level | Tips for Achieving Optimal Humidity |
---|---|---|
Living Room | 40% – 60% | Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers, ventilate regularly, use plants |
Bedroom | 40% – 60% | Night ventilation, use a hygrometer, ventilate regularly |
Kitchen | 50% – 70% | Use exhaust hoods, ventilate regularly, remove cooking vapors immediately |
Bathroom | 50% – 70% | Use an exhaust fan, ventilate regularly after showering or bathing |
Basement | 40% – 60% | Use dehumidifiers, ventilate regularly, check for moisture damage |
Office | 40% – 60% | Take regular breaks for fresh air, use hygrometers |
A well-balanced humidity level in a 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.
The humidity in a room is usually measured with a hygrometer. This device measures the water vapour content in the air and indicates the humidity as a percentage. There are different types of hygrometers, including digital and analogue models. Digital hygrometers are often more accurate and easier to read, while analogue hygrometers may offer a nostalgic aesthetic. A hygrometer can either measure relative or absolute humidity. A relative hygrometer indicates the humidity in relation to the maximum possible water vapour absorption at a given temperature. Absolute hygrometers measure the actual water vapour content in grams per cubic metre of air. It is important to monitor humidity levels regularly, as both too high and too low humidity levels can have undesirable effects. With a hygrometer, you can ensure that the humidity in your room is within the optimal range of about 40-60%. By keeping an eye on the humidity and taking steps to regulate it if necessary, you can create a healthy and pleasant indoor climate. The right humidity level is crucial for your well-being and for maintaining the building fabric.
It is not unusual for humidity to be higher in kitchens and bathrooms than in other rooms. This is mainly due to the specific activities and conditions in these areas. In the kitchen, additional moisture is regularly created by cooking, boiling water and the evaporation of liquids. The steam that arises when cooking and frying significantly increases humidity and can lead to moisture problems without adequate ventilation. In the bathroom, the main causes of increased humidity are showering, bathing and using steam. These activities release large amounts of water vapour, which quickly disperses into the air. Without effective ventilation, this steam can cause high humidity, increasing the risk of mould and moisture damage. It is therefore particularly important to ensure adequate ventilation in these rooms to control humidity and prevent moisture from settling on walls and ceilings. Ventomaxx decentralised ventilation systems offer an efficient solution here, as they supply fresh air in a targeted and continuous manner and remove humid air to ensure a healthy indoor climate. A fresh and pleasant indoor climate in the bathroom is crucial for our well-being and for the long-term preservation of the building structure. The humidity that arises when showering or bathing can lead to mould formation and unpleasant odours. Bathroom fans with an integrated humidity sensor are the solution to effectively combat these problems.
In this article, we take a closer look at the functionality, advantages and selection criteria of bathroom fans with humidity sensors to make your bathroom a place of relaxation and freshness. Ventomaxx offers the right solution for humidity control: the active bathroom extractor BALNEO EX®. The innovative modular system enables customised solutions with a quiet and effective run-on, humidity sensor and multi-stage control. In addition, the system offers flexible installation options and meets additional requirements such as fire protection and a connection for a second room.
Room humidity in old buildings Old buildings often present a different challenge in terms of humidity:
Insulation: Many older buildings are not well insulated, which makes it difficult to control humidity. Moisture can enter or escape more easily through walls and windows.
Sources of damp: In older buildings, existing damp problems, such as poor sealing or outdated heating systems, can have a negative impact on indoor humidity.
Renovation requirements: When renovating old buildings, particular attention must be paid to ensuring that the humidity issue is comprehensively addressed. This can be done by using modern ventilation systems and suitable insulation.
Room humidity in new buildings New buildings are usually in a better position with regard to humidity:
Modern insulation: New buildings benefit from improved insulation, which helps to better regulate humidity. However, new buildings can also present specific challenges due to their airtightness.
Airtightness: the use of modern construction methods and materials means that new buildings are often very airtight, which limits natural air exchange. This can lead to increased humidity if effective ventilation solutions are not integrated.
Effective ventilation solutions: When building a new home, it is important to incorporate suitable ventilation solutions from the outset to maintain ideal humidity levels.
The ideal room temperature is closely related to the humidity. Ideally, the room temperature in living spaces should be between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. This temperature zone not only promotes general well-being, but also helps to keep humidity at a healthy level. At higher temperatures, the air can absorb more moisture, which leads to increased relative humidity, especially if there is insufficient ventilation. By contrast, a room temperature that is too low combined with high humidity can cause moisture to condense on cold surfaces, which also leads to mould problems and impairs the indoor climate. A constant room temperature, combined with an optimal humidity level of around 40 to 60 per cent, ensures a balanced indoor climate. Decentralised ventilation systems from Ventomaxx are particularly helpful in this regard. They enable precise control of humidity by continuously supplying fresh air and removing humid, stale air. This helps to maintain the ideal room temperature while avoiding humidity problems, ensuring a pleasant and healthy indoor climate.
Decentralised ventilation systems are an excellent solution for efficiently controlling indoor humidity in both old and new buildings. Here are some reasons why they are particularly advantageous:
1. Continuous ventilation Our decentralised ventilation systems provide continuous air exchange without the need to open windows. This is particularly beneficial in well-insulated new builds, where natural air exchange is limited, and in old buildings where inadequate insulation can lead to damp problems.
2. Heat recovery Ventomaxx models such as the RONDO, PLUS and MAKANI® R/Q heat recovery are equipped with heat recovery functions. These systems help to efficiently regulate indoor air by recovering heat from the exhaust air, thus minimising energy consumption. This is particularly useful for maintaining ideal indoor humidity levels while reducing heating costs.
3. Adaptive control Our ventilation systems are equipped with intelligent control systems that automatically adjust to the needs of the room. This enables precise humidity control, regardless of external conditions or how the room is used.
4. High sound insulation Another advantage of our decentralised ventilation systems is the high level of sound insulation. The units are designed to reduce noise to a minimum, which contributes to a pleasant indoor climate. Through continuous ventilation, heat recovery and intelligent control systems, our products help to achieve the perfect humidity level in the room, thus improving the well-being of the residents.
Let us not underestimate the importance of normal humidity for a healthy indoor climate. An appropriate humidity level can help us feel more comfortable in our rooms and stay healthy. With an understanding of how humidity is measured and the effects of humidity that is too high or too low, we are better equipped to optimise our indoor climate. By keeping an eye on humidity and adjusting it if necessary, we can create a comfortable and healthy environment for ourselves and our housemates. Remember that good humidity levels not only affect our physical well-being, but also the longevity of our furniture and the quality of the air in the room. So pay attention to the humidity in your rooms and ensure a balanced indoor climate.
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We provide architects and technical planners tailored solutions to address every ventilation challenge with precision. Whether it is sound insulation, energy efficiency, or optimising facade aesthetics, our expert technical teams are equipped to provide you with the ideal solutions.
With Ventomaxx, you gain access to comprehensive hybrid ventilation concepts that seamlessly combine passive and active systems from a single, trusted source. Our mission is to improve indoor air quality in the most efficient way.
We provide architects and technical planners tailored solutions to address every ventilation challenge with precision. Whether it is sound insulation,
energy efficiency, or optimising facade aesthetics, our expert technical teams are equipped to provide you with the ideal solutions.
With Ventomaxx, you gain access to comprehensive hybrid ventilation concepts that seamlessly combine passive and active systems from a single, trusted source. Our mission is to improve indoor air quality in the most efficient way.