The degree of saturation of the air with moisture affects the state of human he alth. If the level is insufficient, breathing becomes difficult, and if the indicators are significantly higher than the norm of humidity in the house for a person, fungus and mold form on the walls. It is very dangerous to breathe such air. How to measure indoor humidity? Which hygrometer to choose? How to reduce or increase the humidity level if necessary? How to choose a humidifier or dehumidifier for an apartment?
Indoor humidity standards
What humidity should be in the house? According to building codes in accordance with GOST, the optimal humidity in rooms in the cold season is 30-35%, in the warm season - 30-60%. In winter, the maximum humidity level should not exceed 60%, in summer - 65%. It is proposed to focus on these norms not for apartment residents, but for those who design, build and maintain residential buildings and commercial premises. Doctors recommend keeping the levelhumidity at the level of 40-60% at any time of the year.
In the apartment, the maximum level of humidity is usually in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Water procedures and cooking significantly increase the temperature and concentration of water in the air. Good ventilation will solve the problem, but in typical apartments this is not always ensured to the maximum. Therefore, it is additionally necessary to install a powerful hood and ventilate the rooms more often. In the living room and bedroom, the optimum humidity is 40-55%, in the home office - 30-40%. Higher values may adversely affect documents, appliances and furniture.
Humidity standards for children's rooms
What humidity should be in a house where there is a child? It is more difficult for a child's body to cope with negative environmental factors than for an adult. Children catch colds easily, endure diseases more difficult, catch viruses and infections more often, freeze and overheat faster. The microclimate should support the body's defenses as much as possible. In this case, it is very important to comply with humidity standards in a residential building.
With low humidity, the mucous membranes dry out and lose their ability to effectively resist infections, the skin may begin to peel off. Normal air humidity in a house where there is a child is 50-60%. The well-known pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky insists on higher rates - 60% for a he althy child and 70% for a child who is sick. At the same time, it is recommended to maintain the temperature in the nursery no higher than 24 degrees, optimally - 20-22 degrees.
Howmeasure the humidity in the apartment?
How to determine the humidity of the air? The easiest and most reliable way is to use a special device called a hygrometer. If it is not available, it is possible to determine whether the air humidity in the house meets the norm using the means available at home, but the accuracy in this case is significantly reduced. In addition, the result is undefined digital data: using home methods, you can only determine whether the air in the apartment needs additional humidification or not.
Which hygrometer to choose for your home?
How to measure the humidity in the apartment? The easiest way to do this is with a hygrometer. Such devices for measuring the level of humidity in a room are of several types: electronic, condensation (they receive information from a special mirror on which condensation forms under certain conditions), weight (measure the amount of water vapor), psychrometric (determine the difference between the readings of two thermometers) and hair (The work is based on the natural property of a human hair to slightly change length under the influence of moisture). Depending on the type of hygrometer, the principle of operation differs.
The most accurate and convenient is an electronic device that, if necessary, can be moved from one room to another or installed permanently. When choosing a hygrometer, you need to focus on accuracy - the deviation in measurements should ideally not exceed 1%. Many models are equipped with additional functions: measurementroom temperature and atmospheric pressure, display of the current date and time, the ability to set an alarm or timer. Some hygrometers inform about violations in the microclimate with light indicators, which allows you to notice the problem in a timely manner.
Five accurate hygrometer models
How to determine the humidity in the room? To do this, just install a hygrometer and observe the readings. Judging by the reviews, the best choice is Stadler Form S-003. The device runs on a single battery, due to which it was possible to achieve a thickness of the device of only four millimeters. The indoor air humidity meter has a stylish design and is available in several colors. The battery life lasts for a long time. The hygrometer measures humidity and temperature and is accurate. The only drawback is that the glossy LCD display reflects when exposed to sunlight.
The Ramili Baby ET1003 is suitable for a child's room with an interesting design and animated images on the screen. If the indicators are normal, a smiley will appear on the display, with minor deviations the character will not express any emotions, and if the microclimate worsens, he will get upset and stop smiling. The data is also displayed in digital format. The error is ± 5%. Powered by one AAA battery (not included). The device does not have a good level of power saving, so the batteries will have to be changed often.
Very compact (only 4 cm x 4 cm x 1 cm) mechanical instrumentfor measurement of humidity of air in the room - Boneco A7057. Works without battery. On the front panel there is a scale of indicators with a range from twenty percent to one hundred, the price of one division is 1%. This is a high precision hygrometer with minimal error. It is necessary to install the device so that there are no heating devices or air conditioning systems nearby. For convenient fixing on the wall, a special Velcro is provided on the back panel. Before use, the manufacturer recommends calibrating the device by comparing the readings with another mechanical hygrometer and (if necessary) adjusting with the adjusting screw.
A complete home weather station at an affordable price is KetotekHTC-2. The digital hygrometer measures not only the humidity (from 0% to 100%) in the room, but also the temperature. It can be used indoors and outdoors, because it is adapted to Russian meteorological conditions: the temperature measurement range, for example, is -50 … 70 degrees Celsius, and for indoors - 10 … 50 degrees. The LCD screen displays a lot of data at once, the font is large, easy to read from a distance. The model has an alarm clock option. The control is carried out using three buttons (mechanical).
Measuring humidity with a glass
How to measure the humidity in the apartment with a regular glass of water? You need to fill a glass of cold water and place it in the refrigerator for several hours. The temperature of the water in the tank should be 3-5 degrees Celsius. The chilled glass should be placed indoors, but not near heating appliances or air conditioning systems, and observed.
If the outer surface of the walls of the glass almost immediately covered with condensate, but dried up after ten minutes, then the air is very dry. If, after ten minutes, drops of condensate form on the walls, flowing down the walls of the glass, then the humidity is very high. If after ten minutes the surface is not dry, but not covered with large drops, then the air is of medium humidity.
Asman's Psychrometric Chart
How to determine if the humidity in the house is correct? Another measurement method copies the principle of operation of another device - a psychrometer. First you need to measure the temperature in the room using a conventional mercury thermometer. Then the head of the measuring device should be wrapped in wet gauze for 10 minutes and the temperature should be determined again. Subtract the second result from the first value. The indicators can be evaluated according to the Azman table. Approximate humidity level - at the intersection of the "dry" thermometer and the difference in measurements.
Danger of too dry air
The problem of dry air is more relevant in the winter season. Air in living quarters is dried by central heating radiators, lack of regular ventilation, low temperature. In summer, the main reason for dry air is the use of air conditioning. If the humidity in the house is below the norm, then the mucous membranes dry up, the lips crack, itchy in the throat, a slight cough may begin, the skin of the face and hands is dry and flaky,cracked hands may appear, synthetic hair and clothes become electrified, and indoor plants dry out the tips of the leaves.
Too dry air is not dangerous, but unpleasant. The mucous membranes of a person secrete a special secret that protects against the penetration of seasonal infections into the body. When overdrying, this barrier becomes thinner and damaged. Constant irritation of the upper respiratory tract leads to the development and exacerbation of various diseases, such as bronchial asthma, pharyngitis or bronchitis. This is especially true in families with small children.
How to increase humidity?
If the humidity in the house is below normal, you need to increase the performance to the optimum. Mechanical (traditional), steam or ultrasonic humidifiers do an excellent job with this task. There are other ways to increase the humidity in your living space:
- regularly do wet cleaning (in the process, dust is also removed, which can cause an allergic reaction);
- minimize the use of heaters and air conditioning;
- buy an aquarium (the only drawback is that you need special knowledge to properly care for the fish);
- install a desktop fountain with circulating clean water;
- saturate the air with moisture from time to time using a regular spray gun;
- place wet towels on radiators (one of the safest and most convenient options);
- plant as many houseplants as possible, especially those with large leaves (the best natural moisturizers arehibiscus, indoor lemons, monstera, cyperus, scindapsus, dieffenbachia);
- place water containers near heating appliances.
In a very short time, a boiling kettle humidifies the air well. But this method provides short-term hydration, requires constant monitoring, and may not be safe for families with children.
How to choose a humidifier?
Maintain humidity standards in a private house in winter without any problems with a special device - a humidifier. A traditional similar device with an air purification function can increase the humidity up to 60%. Such a device is safe for children, economical in power consumption, easy to use, almost silent and relatively inexpensive. The humidifier works on the principle of air irrigation with cold steam. It is recommended to place the device near heat sources or places of active air circulation.
The steam humidifier evaporates up to 700 ml of liquid per hour and increases humidity by more than 60%. The device quickly humidifies the air, sterilizes steam, can be used for inhalation and aromatherapy, automatically turns off when the water level is low. Steam humidifiers should not be used without control devices - hygrometers or hydrostats that regulate humidity. The devices are very energy intensive (consume 200-600 W). Some models are not equipped with a safety system, therefore, if handled carelessly, they may be unsafe for children and pets.
Ultrasonic humidifiers quickly humidify, consume little energy (40 W without heating the liquid), practically do not make noise, but are quite expensive. Some models have a remote control, provide control of humidification due to the built-in hygrostat, block the inclusion at a low water level, can work on a timer, adjust the intensity of evaporation, and so on. Ultrasonic devices use distilled water or filter cartridges that need to be changed every 2-3 months.
High humidity in the apartment
Too humid air provokes the reproduction of mold, harmful bacteria and various fungi, which is very dangerous for he alth. Dampness provokes the occurrence and severe course of acute respiratory infections, bronchial asthma and even tuberculosis. These diseases are not easily cured in severe form. The multiplication of microbes causes an unpleasant odor that persists even after ventilation. Heavy air makes it difficult to breathe and sleep, and can cause asthma attacks. In a damp room, bed and underwear, clothes and towels are not completely dried. Bacteria that actively multiply on wet tissue can cause various dermatological diseases.
Ways to reduce humidity
If the norm of humidity in the house is exceeded, the cause may be an external source of dampness, for example, a dilapidated roof, a damp basement, a reservoir located near the dwelling. Often mold appears on the walls in corner apartments. How to get rid of high humidity inat home? The most reliable way is to carry out repairs using waterproofing. If the reason for the excess of humidity in a wooden house or city apartment is internal factors, then you can cope with the help of dehumidifiers or simple home methods.
To reduce the humidity in the apartment, you need to ensure regular ventilation, natural light and install high-quality hoods in unventilated rooms. Metal-plastic windows in the apartment, bathroom and kitchen must be equipped with a ventilation system. Dampness is well absorbed by lit sichs and working household appliances. The right microclimate helps maintain indoor plants.
Household dehumidifiers
What humidity should be in the house? The optimal level is 40-60% or slightly higher if there is a child in the apartment. If the indicators are greatly exceeded, various he alth problems may arise. To prevent this, if necessary, household dehumidifiers are used, which can be stationary or mobile. The performance of the device is determined by the amount of water absorption per day in liters.
The dehumidifier can be adsorption or compressor. Humid air enters the compressor rooms through fans, and then passes through the evaporator. Moisture settles in the form of condensate, falling into a special receiver. The heated air exits through another hole in the device. The adsorption apparatus has no moving parts, operates completely silently and does notconsumes energy. Such a desiccant absorbs moisture with the help of an adsorbent inside. Moisture-saturated filler needs to be changed periodically.
Fight against mold fungus
If the humidity in the house does not correspond to the norm (the indicators are too high) for a long time, then mold fungus may appear on the walls. The best way to fight mold is to regulate the microclimate. It is necessary to ventilate the room twice a day for at least 5-15 minutes, do not dry things on a radiator, do not hang damp walls with carpets, do not put damp things in a closet, do not close bathroom doors. Antiseptic primer, bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and baking soda will help get rid of the fungus on the walls.
Special antiseptic primer sold in building materials stores. Bleach is not as effective, but less toxic. Sodium hypochlorite (the active ingredient in most bleaches) helps get rid of most types of mold and spores, but can ruin some surfaces. In addition, the product emits toxic fumes and corrodes the skin of the hands, so you need to work with it only with rubber gloves and with open windows. A weak acid that will kill many common types of mold is table vinegar. For prevention, you can spray vinegar from a spray bottle on problem areas every week.
Hydrogen peroxide is antifungal and antibacterial, does not emit a pungent odor or harmful fumes. Peroxide bleaches, soOn some surfaces, this product must be used with extreme caution. Ammonia is good at removing mold on hard, non-porous surfaces such as tiles or glass. Baking soda is a natural and safe household cleaner that does not contain harsh chemicals. To prevent fungus, you can periodically wash surfaces and things with a sponge dipped in a solution of soda.
