When assessing the air parameters in a home, most people first of all pay attention to its temperature, forgetting about such an important indicator as humidity. The subjective sensation of heat or cold, general well-being, the condition of plants and the safety of many household items depend on it. Let's figure out what the norm of air humidity in the apartment is, and also find out what it affects.
The humidity indicator reflects the degree of saturation of the air with water vapor. It can be absolute and relative. In the first case, it is determined how many grams of moisture are contained in 1 cubic meter of air. In the second, the percentage ratio of the actual amount of water in the atmosphere (absolute indicator) and the maximum possible at a given temperature is calculated.
When using such a concept as the norm of humidity in an apartment, a relative indicator is implied. This parameter largely determines the comfort of the indoor microclimate. Both the person and the home environment suffer from too much or too little humidity.
Dry indoor air provokes increased moisture loss through the skin and respiratory tract. This can lead to such unpleasant consequences as:
- decreased elasticity of hair, nails and skin, accompanied by the appearance of microcracks, wrinkles, peeling, dermatitis;
- drying of the mucous membrane of the eyes, the symptoms of which are itching, redness, and a feeling of “sand”;
- thickening of the blood, leading to a slowdown in blood circulation, weakness, headaches, decreased performance, and increased stress on the heart;
- an increase in the viscosity of gastric and intestinal juices, causing a slowdown in digestion;
- drying out of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which results in a weakening of local immunity and an increase in the frequency of acute respiratory viral infections;
- an increase in the amount of respiratory allergens in the atmosphere, which should normally be bound by liquid droplets.
Excess moisture in the air creates acceptable conditions for the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria. As a result, residents of the house may encounter:
- respiratory diseases - chronic runny nose, bronchitis, asthma, allergies;
- feeling of stuffiness or dampness in the room;
- unpleasant odor due to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms;
- increasing the drying time of washed laundry.
Excessive or insufficient amount of moisture has a bad effect on the condition of home furnishings. Plants dry out or begin to rot, wooden furniture and parquet floors become deformed or “shrink,” paintings fade, paper products lose their structure.
Factors affecting humidity
The main factor that affects air humidity is its temperature. The warmer it is, the greater the amount of water vapor it can maximum accommodate, and vice versa. But when assessing relative humidity, an inverse relationship applies: the warmer the air, the lower its relative humidity will be for the same volume of water vapor contained in it. Therefore, airing in winter makes the air fresher, but less humid. The optimal temperature is considered to be 18-22 ºC.
Water vapor is “taken” from the air in the room:
- any heating devices;
- air conditioner;
- interior items, especially cushioned furniture, toys, carpets.
Any sources of water and steam lead to an increase in relative humidity:
- aquarium;
- houseplants;
- wet laundry;
- containers with boiling water (saucepan, kettle);
- leaking roof;
- faulty water pipes and plumbing.
Standard indicators
Let's figure out what air humidity is considered normal in an apartment. It depends on the purpose of the premises and the time of year.
Humidity standards for housing:
- warm period - 30-60%, maximum allowable - 65% (for certain regions with high humidity, this standard can be increased to 75%);
- cold period – 30-45%, maximum permissible – 60%.
Relative air humidity is not standardized in auxiliary rooms - bathroom, toilet, corridor, pantry and others.
Standards for plants and interior items:
- for furniture and antiques – 40-60%;
- for equipment – 45-60%
- for books – 30-65%;
- for plants – tropical – 80-95%, subtropical – 75-80%, others – 40-70%.
What is the normal level of relative humidity in the apartment where the child lives? Since the intensity of heat exchange processes is increased in young children, they are especially sensitive to non-compliance with microclimate parameters. Ideal humidity air in the children's room - 50-70%. If a child is sick with ARVI or an infectious pathology, then this parameter should not be allowed to decrease below 60%.
Important: B heating season air humidity drops to 15-20%. It definitely needs to be raised, especially if there are children, asthmatics and allergy sufferers in the house.
How to measure relative humidity?
Knowing what it should be optimal humidity air in the apartment, it is worth deciding how it can be measured. The most rational way is to use a special device - a hygrometer.
There are several types of devices - electrical, chemical, condensation, hair and others. There is no need to purchase an expensive professional device for an apartment. The simplest hygrometer with an error of 3-5% is enough. It is often combined with a clock and a thermometer. It is important to place the hygrometer away from sources of moisture and heat.
You can determine humidity using alternative methods– a glass of water, an Assmann table and a fir cone.
Glass of water
Pour water into a glass and cool it to 3-5 ºС. To do this, just put the vessel in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Next, you need to place the glass on the table away from the radiator and watch it for 5 minutes. At the same time, condensation forms on its walls due to temperature differences. Possible results:
- the glass has dried within a few minutes – the humidity is reduced;
- the walls remained fogged - the microclimate parameters were normal;
- Streams of water flowed down the glass - there was too much moisture in the air.
Assmann table
The Assmann table is designed to determine humidity using a psychrometer - an instrument consisting of two thermometers - a regular one and one with a humidification device. Its likeness can be made at home. You must first measure the temperature in the room with a regular alcohol thermometer and write down its value. Then you should wrap its end with a damp cloth. After 5 minutes, the temperature must be measured again. It should go down.
Next you need to look at the Assmann table. The readings of the “dry” thermometer are located vertically, and the temperature difference is located horizontally. Having seen the desired values, you should find their intersection. This will be an indicator of relative humidity.
fir cone
Note: Indirect signs of low indoor air humidity are drying out the tips of plant leaves and electrical discharges emanating from synthetic clothing.
Humidity regulation
At any time of the year, normal air humidity in the apartment should be no less than 30-40% and no higher than 65%. How to regulate it?
Ways to reduce humidity:
- frequent ventilation of premises;
- installation of exhaust fans;
- use of dehumidifiers and climate systems;
- timely repairs water pipes and plumbing fixtures;
- use of heaters and air conditioners;
- refusal to dry clothes in the room;
- installation of a hood in the kitchen.
Methods for increasing humidity:
- purchasing an aquarium or decorative fountain;
- minimal use of heater and air conditioner;
- hanging wet towels on radiators;
- periodically spraying water from a spray bottle;
- using an air humidifier - steam, ultrasonic or traditional;
- regular wet cleaning;
- cultivation large quantity indoor flowers.
Air humidity in a house is an important parameter that affects both the well-being of its inhabitants and interior items. Normally, this figure ranges from 40 to 60%. It is especially important to monitor the humidity in rooms where children and people with respiratory diseases spend most of their time. To regulate the moisture concentration in the air, it is convenient to use household humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
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One of the main characteristics of a healthy indoor microclimate is air humidity. A normal level of humidity is very important for a person’s well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to know what the normal humidity level should be in order to control it and, if necessary, increase or decrease it.
Air humidity norm
To assess the microclimate of various rooms it is used relative humidity, measured as a percentage. That is, the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to a given ambient temperature is determined.
For good health, a humidity level ranging from thirty to forty-five percent is considered optimal. Acceptable rate for residential premises - no more than sixty percent. This humidity is considered comfortable not only for humans, but also for birds, animals and even household appliances and furniture.
According to state building standards in residential premises, the humidity the indicator should be:
- from 30 to 45% in the cold season;
- from 30 to 60% in the warm season.
The humidity level also depends on the value of the room:
- in the bathroom and kitchen it should be from 40 to 60%;
- in the living room and dining room - from 40 to 60%;
- in the library and office - from 30 to 40%;
- in the children's room - from 45 to 60%;
- in the bedroom - from 40 to 50%.
In winter the air in the apartments dried heating systems , and in summer - air conditioning. At the same time, the amount of dust increases, and pathogenic microbes appear, which contribute to a decrease in immunity and cause viral diseases.
If there is no air conditioning in the room, then in autumn and summer, at temperatures up to thirty degrees and frequent ventilation, the air humidity in houses and apartments is most often normal.
Normal air humidity value
A normal humidity level in a room helps maintain human immunity and health, as well as keep furniture, belongings and beautiful view indoor plants. However, keeping the indicators normal is quite difficult. In most houses and apartments, humidity is low for most of the year.
If the level is below normal:
- The nasal mucosa dries out.
- The breathing process deteriorates, as a result of which the body is poorly enriched with oxygen.
- The risk of viral diseases increases.
- You often feel drowsy.
- Performance decreases.
- The mucous membrane of the eyes dries out in those who wear contact lenses.
- Due to increased dust content in the room, allergic reactions may occur.
Children especially suffer from low air humidity in an apartment or house.
Increased humidity indoors contributes to the formation of fungus and mold, the occurrence of respiratory diseases, decreased immunity, and the proliferation of dust mites.
To ensure that the humidity in the apartment is optimal, it is recommended to monitor its indicators and, if necessary, increase or decrease it.
How to check the air humidity in an apartment
To do this, you can use a special device or improvised means.
Instruments for measuring humidity levels
The percentage of water vapor in the air can be determined using a psychrometer, hygrometer or a special household indicator.
More accurate instruments are considered psychrometers, which can be electrical or mechanical.
Hygrometers exist:
Each type of device has its own characteristics, but one measurement base. Using a hygrometer is very simple - it shows the percentage of moisture in the room.
Today you can buy household weather stations, which represent digital thermometers, equipped with humidity indicators. Using such a device, you can find out not only the humidity in the room, but also the ambient temperature, as well as upcoming changes in nature.
Folk remedies
If you don’t have a special device for this at hand, you can use improvised means.
For example, you can use glass of water, which will need to be cooled in the refrigerator for five hours. After this, the glass is pulled out and placed on the table away from the radiators:
- If after five minutes the glass of water remains foggy, then the microclimate in the apartment is normal.
- If streams flow down it, then the humidity is increased.
- If the glass has time to dry in five minutes, then this indicator is reduced.
You can estimate the humidity level in a room using tables Assmann and thermometer. To do this, having recorded the temperature shown by the thermometer, you will need to wrap it in a wet cloth and wait five minutes. After this, the fabric is removed and the result obtained on the thermometer is recorded.
In the Assman table, the readings of a dry thermometer are indicated vertically, and the difference between the two indicators horizontally. At the intersection there will be a humidity indicator of the room.
You can build a “hygrometer” yourself by taking spruce bump and securing it with tape or a nail to the plywood. Then you will need to watch her:
- if there is a bump long time will remain unchanged, then the humidity in the room is normal;
- if its scales quickly begin to open, then the indicator is reduced;
- if even after 24 hours the tips of the scales do not rise at least a little upward, then the humidity in the apartment is high.
You can determine the humidity indicator by indoor flowers. They can easily tell you that the air in the room is dry. If the tips of the leaves of Fatsia, Asplenium, Diefenbachia, Dracaena, and Ficus dry out and even spraying does not help, then there is low air humidity in the house or apartment.
You also need to listen to your feelings. If the level is extremely low, irritation and constant dryness in the throat and nose may appear.
For a comfortable microclimate in the apartment you need:
- do wet cleaning regularly;
- ventilate the room;
- grow indoor plants.
If the humidity level is low
Most often in winter time years in an apartment humidity level decreased. To normalize it, you need to take measures:
But most in a modern way increasing moisture in the air is a special humidifier, into which water is poured, which evaporates during operation of the device.
Traditional humidifier equipped with a fan that drives air through a container of water and at the same time cleans it of dust and moisturizes it.
IN steam humidifier the water boils and steam comes out. You can even use hard or dirty water. Such a device can be sold with built-in attachments and used as an inhaler.
Ultrasonic humidifier converts water into steam using a special membrane. With its help you can fight germs indoors. However, you should use only distilled water for it, or install special cartridges that will soften and purify the water.
If the air humidity is high
Dehumidifiers can be portable or stationary, which are wall-mounted and have high performance.
An oil radiator can also be used as an air dryer. m equipped with a fan.
In the kitchen and bathroom it is necessary install hoods. They will help fight moisture and excess odors.
If the humidity level is high, then it is not recommended to dry washed clothes in the room, and the sink and bathtub should be wiped immediately after use.
But, regardless of air humidity levels, it is necessary to ventilate the room as often as possible. Oxygen-saturated fresh air kills bacteria, fungi and neutralizes dust mites. And most importantly, it normalizes the humidity in the room, while establishing a microclimate that is comfortable for humans, which is so important for health and well-being.
One of the main characteristics of a healthy indoor microclimate is air humidity. A normal level of humidity is very important for a person’s well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to know what the normal humidity level should be in order to control it and, if necessary, increase or decrease it.
Air humidity norm
To assess the microclimate of various rooms it is used relative humidity, measured as a percentage. That is, the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to a given ambient temperature is determined.
For good health, a humidity level ranging from thirty to forty-five percent is considered optimal. The permissible norm for residential premises is no more than sixty percent. This humidity is considered comfortable not only for humans, but also for birds, animals and even household appliances and furniture.
According to state building standards in residential premises, the humidity the indicator should be:
- from 30 to 45% in the cold season;
- from 30 to 60% in the warm season.
The humidity level also depends on the value of the room:
- in the bathroom and kitchen it should be from 40 to 60%;
- in the living room and dining room - from 40 to 60%;
- in the library and office - from 30 to 40%;
- in the children's room - from 45 to 60%;
- in the bedroom - from 40 to 50%.
In winter the air in the apartments dried by heating systems, and in summer - air conditioning. At the same time, the amount of dust increases, and pathogenic microbes appear, which contribute to a decrease in immunity and cause viral diseases.
If there is no air conditioning in the room, then in autumn and summer, at temperatures up to thirty degrees and frequent ventilation, the air humidity in houses and apartments is most often normal.
Normal air humidity value
Normal indoor humidity levels help maintain human immunity and health, as well as keep furniture, belongings and the beautiful appearance of indoor plants in good condition. However, keeping the indicators normal is quite difficult. In most houses and apartments, humidity is low for most of the year.
If the level is below normal:
- The nasal mucosa dries out.
- The breathing process deteriorates, as a result of which the body is poorly enriched with oxygen.
- The risk of viral diseases increases.
- You often feel drowsy.
- Performance decreases.
- The mucous membrane of the eyes dries out in those who wear contact lenses.
- Due to increased dust content in the room, allergic reactions may occur.
Children especially suffer from low air humidity in an apartment or house.
Increased humidity indoors contributes to the formation of fungus and mold, the occurrence of respiratory diseases, decreased immunity, and the proliferation of dust mites.
To ensure that the humidity in the apartment is optimal, it is recommended to monitor its indicators and, if necessary, increase or decrease it.
How to check the air humidity in an apartment
To do this, you can use a special device or improvised means.
Instruments for measuring humidity levels
The percentage of water vapor in the air can be determined using a psychrometer, hygrometer or a special household indicator.
More accurate instruments are considered psychrometers, which can be electrical or mechanical.
Hygrometers exist:
Each type of device has its own characteristics, but one measurement base. Using a hygrometer is very simple - it shows the percentage of moisture in the room.
Today you can buy household weather stations, which are digital thermometers equipped with humidity indicators. Using such a device, you can find out not only the humidity in the room, but also the ambient temperature, as well as upcoming changes in nature.
Folk remedies
If you don’t have a special device for this at hand, you can use improvised means.
For example, you can use glass of water, which will need to be cooled in the refrigerator for five hours. After this, the glass is pulled out and placed on the table away from the radiators:
- If after five minutes the glass of water remains foggy, then the microclimate in the apartment is normal.
- If streams flow down it, then the humidity is increased.
- If the glass has time to dry in five minutes, then this indicator is reduced.
You can estimate the humidity level in a room using tables Assmann and thermometer. To do this, having recorded the temperature shown by the thermometer, you will need to wrap it in a wet cloth and wait five minutes. After this, the fabric is removed and the result obtained on the thermometer is recorded.
In the Assman table, the readings of a dry thermometer are indicated vertically, and the difference between the two indicators horizontally. At the intersection there will be a humidity indicator of the room.
You can build a “hygrometer” yourself by taking spruce bump and securing it with tape or a nail to the plywood. Then you will need to watch her:
- if the cone remains unchanged for a long time, then the humidity in the room is normal;
- if its scales quickly begin to open, then the indicator is reduced;
- if even after 24 hours the tips of the scales do not rise at least a little upward, then the humidity in the apartment is high.
You can determine the humidity indicator by indoor flowers. They can easily tell you that the air in the room is dry. If the tips of the leaves of Fatsia, Asplenium, Diefenbachia, Dracaena, and Ficus dry out and even spraying does not help, then there is low air humidity in the house or apartment.
You also need to listen to your feelings. If the level is extremely low, irritation and constant dryness in the throat and nose may appear.
For a comfortable microclimate in the apartment you need:
- do wet cleaning regularly;
- ventilate the room;
- grow indoor plants.
If the humidity level is low
Most often in the winter season in an apartment humidity level decreased. To normalize it, you need to take measures:
But the most modern way to increase moisture in the air is a special humidifier, into which water is poured, which evaporates during operation of the device.
Traditional humidifier equipped with a fan that drives air through a container of water and at the same time cleans it of dust and moisturizes it.
IN steam humidifier the water boils and steam comes out. You can even use hard or dirty water for it. Such a device can be sold with built-in attachments and used as an inhaler.
Ultrasonic humidifier converts water into steam using a special membrane. With its help you can fight germs indoors. However, you should use only distilled water for it, or install special cartridges that will soften and purify the water.
If the air humidity is high
Dehumidifiers can be portable or stationary, which are wall-mounted and have high performance.
An oil radiator can also be used as an air dryer. m equipped with a fan.
In the kitchen and bathroom it is necessary install hoods. They will help fight moisture and excess odors.
If the humidity level is high, then it is not recommended to dry washed clothes in the room, and the sink and bathtub should be wiped immediately after use.
But, regardless of air humidity levels, it is necessary to ventilate the room as often as possible. Oxygen-saturated fresh air kills bacteria, fungi and neutralizes dust mites. And most importantly, it normalizes the humidity in the room, while establishing a microclimate that is comfortable for humans, which is so important for health and well-being.
The air is to some extent filled with water vapor. Its quantity is characterized by such an indicator as humidity. It can be absolute and relative. The first indicator indicates the volume of water contained in one cubic meter of air. The second term is used to determine the ratio between the maximum possible amount of steam to the actual amount. If indoor air humidity is determined, this is a relative indicator.
Humidity in the house directly affects the health and well-being of all its inhabitants. If the indicators do not correspond to the norm, not only people suffer, but also indoor plants, furniture and other things. The amount of water vapor in environment not stable and changes all the time depending on the time of year.
Why is dry air dangerous?
Low indoor humidity is very often observed during the heating season. This leads to the fact that a person quickly loses water through the skin and respiratory tract. As a result of such negative phenomena, the following effects are observed:
- decreased elasticity and dryness of the skin, which is accompanied by the appearance of microcracks, leads to the development of dermatitis;
- drying of the mucous membrane of the eyes leads to redness, burning, and watery eyes;
- the blood loses part of its liquid component, which reduces the speed of its movement, creating additional stress on the heart;
- the person suffers from headaches, feels tired and loses normal performance;
- the viscosity of gastric juice increases, which impairs digestion;
- drying out of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract occurs, which weakens local immunity;
- an increase in the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms in the air, which are usually neutralized by air droplets.
High humidity is no less harmful than low humidity. It leads to the active proliferation of fungus and mold, which negatively affects people’s well-being and the condition of household items:
- the risk of developing various respiratory diseases, including asthma and bronchitis, increases;
- the person feels uncomfortable. He may feel stuffy;
- appears in the room bad smell, from which it is impossible to get rid of;
- clothes and bedding become damp and cannot dry;
- products that should be stored in conditions of normal humidity (cereals, coffee, tea and others) spoil;
- wooden furniture and natural parquet deteriorate and lose their original appearance.
How to measure humidity level?
To identify a lack or excess of moisture in a room, you can use several methods.
Use of special devices
To determine the air humidity in a room, you can use a special device called a hygrometer. It shows relative performance expressed as a percentage. This device May be:
- electrical;
- condensation;
- hair;
- chemical.
To measure the air in an apartment, it is enough to buy the simplest device, which is usually combined with a thermometer or a clock. It has a small error of 3-5%, which is not critical.
Using a glass of water
To determine air humidity, you need to fill a regular glass with water and put it in the refrigerator for 3 hours so that the liquid cools to 3-5°C. The vessel is removed and placed on the table away from heating devices. For several minutes they observe the walls of the glass, where they detect the appearance of condensation in the form of water droplets. The results of the experiment are expressed as follows:
- the glass has dried quickly - the humidity is reduced;
- the walls remained fogged - the humidity standards in the room were met;
- Water began to flow down the glass - the humidity was increased.
The Assmann table is designed to determine humidity using a psychrometer. It consists of two thermometers - a regular one and one with a humidification function. The indicators measured by the second device will be slightly lower. Air humidity is determined using a special table using the obtained values.
Using a fir cone
Take an ordinary fir cone and place it away from heating appliances. In dry air, its scales will open, and in humid air, they will shrink tightly.
Generally accepted standards
Indoor humidity standards depend on its purpose and time of year. Compliance with the recommended parameters will ensure wellness, and will not negatively affect human immunity.
Standards for an apartment
For an apartment, all standards regarding climatic parameters are specified in GOST 30494-96. According to this document, air humidity in the cold season should range from 30-45%, and in the warm season – 30-60%. Despite these values, the 30% indicator may be poorly perceived human body. Therefore, doctors recommend maintaining parameters of 40-60%, which are considered optimal at any time of the year.
Standards for a children's room
The child's body is unable to function properly in low air humidity. This leads to rapid drying of the mucous membranes, which can lead to a decrease in local immunity.
Workplace
The level of humidity in the workplace depends on the specifics of work. For example, for office workers it is 40-60%.
How to normalize the indoor microclimate?
To make the indoor microclimate comfortable for living, you need to use the following tips:
- use of air humidifiers. Indispensable during the heating season in any room;
- regular ventilation;
- increasing the number of indoor plants;
- Availability exhaust ventilation. The supply hood will supply the room with fresh air and normalize the amount of water vapor;
- in some cases it is recommended to use special dehumidifiers equipped with absorbent substances;
- It is prohibited to dry laundry in residential premises, which negatively affects their microclimate.
Video: How to measure air humidity
Pleasant microclimate in own home provides not only comfortable living, but also guarantees the health of each family member. Therefore, first of all, you need to make sure that the air humidity level in the apartment corresponds to the necessary parameters. Today, together with the editors of Homius.ru, we will consider the main parameters that affect indoor humidity and ways to stabilize it.
Humidity in the apartment - friend or foe? Air humidity - what is it?
There are such concepts as relative and absolute humidity. Absolute air humidity is, in fact, the mass of water vapor contained in 1 m³ of atmosphere. In our case, the atmosphere is the air in a single room and the house as a whole.
Room air humidity meter The state when the air reaches complete saturation with moisture is called moisture capacity. Relative humidity is the state of air saturation with moisture in relation to complete saturation. Indicated in parts of 100%. Further, by default, we will consider relative humidity.
Humidity imbalance and what causes it
There are several factors that affect the humidity in an apartment:
- Ventilation. It’s not for nothing that a high-quality ventilation device costs a lot of money. If air circulation does not occur and there is no constant outflow of humidity, all this accumulates indoors, creating a greenhouse effect.
- Temperature. You also need to take into account that the higher the air temperature, the higher its ability to absorb moisture. That's why it's so suffocatingly humid in the tropics and scorching hot in the desert. For an apartment, it is necessary to find that pleasant balance between the “tropics” and the “desert,” somewhere in the “birch forest on the bank of a river.”
- Operation of heating devices. Artificial heating of the air leads to the removal of moisture from it, which leads to overdrying. Which, in turn, affects the mucous membrane, making it vulnerable to viral diseases. Therefore, doctors recommend heating season use humidifiers. But we'll talk about this in more detail below.
- Congestion of houses. Today, when building houses, it has become very “fashionable” to worry that it should be built only from “breathable” materials. After all, if moisture is not removed naturally, then not only does the humidity in the house increase, but mold also grows, and the air becomes musty. Therefore, they try to arrange facades with ventilation gaps, purchase only “breathable” plaster and wallpaper, and opt for high-quality insulation materials that allow air to pass through well, for example, basalt, mineral wool.
- Air pollution. This is another reason for humidity destabilization. At the same time, it is not necessary to keep a clandestine laboratory in your home to “pollute” the air. It is enough to stay at home and do your normal business. The problem can be solved simply by good ventilation of all rooms.
In principle, a gas mask is a good way to hide from unfavorable “weather in the house” So, let's summarize briefly. In order for the humidity to be normal, you need to build a house only from “breathable” materials, arrange good ventilation, monitor the temperature and ventilate the room more often. If the latter costs us nothing, then many “get along” with the previous factors in their “non-ideal” homes. Let's take a closer look at what to do in such cases.
Optimal air humidity in an apartment according to GOST
Normal humidity air is so important for health, productive work and comfortable living of a person that for a long time at the state level they have been figuring out its optimal norm for various premises. She is especially monitored in preschool institutions. GOST 30494-96 is just such an official document that regulates the standards for such an indicator.
This document discusses concepts such as optimal and permissible air humidity values. The first designates a set of characteristics in which a person feels comfortable for a long time. Acceptable values are, so to speak, a “compromise”, it seems that it is not what we would like, but it will be accepted for lack of a better one. With such parameters, a violation of the general state of health is observed.
Attention! All measurements were made with the condition that humidity standards were favorable for 80% of the inhabitants of the room. But you can’t please everyone, some people like the heat, but for others, dry air is a dream. Therefore, below we will rely on the values of GOST standards.
Recommended air humidity in the apartment during the warm period
Device for determining air humidity The warm period of the year, according to the same interstate standard, is characterized by average daily temperature external environment - not less than +8°C. For premises with constant occupancy optimal temperature the room should be within +22…+24°C. Acceptable - within the range of +19…+27°C. In this case, relative humidity is 60−30%, permissible is 60%.
What should be the humidity in an apartment in winter?
In the winter season, any living space is heated. In the northern regions of the country it is especially intense due to severe frosts. Heat from radiators or underfloor heating dries out the air. This can be determined quite simply - drying out of the nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa, this is especially noticeable after sleep. It is these factors that lead not only to discomfort, but also to an increased risk of acute respiratory infections.
We are more vulnerable when we sleep, so it is best to humidify the air at night or in the evening. The optimal temperature for a full stay is considered to be +18…+24°C. Normal air humidity in the apartment should be 45−30%. The maximum allowable is 60%.
What humidity should be in a child's room?
A nursery differs little in terms of humidity level in a house or apartment. According to the standards, the temperature is the same as for a regular room, depending on the time of year. By the way, it is in kindergartens that the Sanitary and Epidemiological Inspection requires that the air in winter should not drop below +18°C and not rise above +20°C. Humidity – 40−60%.
Air humidity measurement What air humidity should be in an apartment for individual rooms?
For separate rooms, which are not intended for the constant presence of people and their rest, for example, a corridor, pantry, bathroom or shower room, it is not strictly determined what air humidity in the apartment is considered normal. But it would be appropriate to remind you that its level should not be too high, since it is from such “secondary” rooms that the walls begin to mold. Inhalation of certain types of fungus not only reduces overall immunity, but also leads to serious systemic diseases. By the way, its presence in the human body is not always diagnosed.
How to measure air humidity in an apartment
To find out whether the humidity in a room is normal for a person, it is not necessary to call specialists with specialized equipment. You can take all the measurements and organize it yourself necessary measures to stabilize humidity in rooms.
Psychometer and hygrometer - instruments for measuring indoor air humidity
Hygrometer - what it measures and which one to buy The easiest and most accurate way to measure the level of air humidity is with a special device - a hygrometer. Moreover, you can buy it on free sale. In order not to make a mistake in choosing a useful gadget, let’s consider what main types exist and their specifics:
- Weighted or absolute. It is a device that determines relative humidity by absorbing it. Using special tubes with chemical composition he takes measurements. IN living conditions do not use.
- Hair. This type of hygrometer is used only in laboratories, and only because its operating principle is based on the study of human hair.
- Film. Also belongs to the category of laboratory instruments. The main mechanism is a special film, which, depending on the level of humidity, stretches or, conversely, contracts. It is most effective to use it in the winter season.
- Electronic. This type of device is most often purchased for household humidity measurements. It is quite simple to use, since the mechanism immediately displays the final test result on the touch screen.
- Psychometric. The most accurate type of moisture meter. Often it is purchased for work in production and laboratory premises. Also, many “civilian” users choose psychometric hygrometers because of their comparatively low cost and extreme accuracy.
Psychometer There is another official device for measuring humidity - a psychometer. The operating principle is based on measuring air temperature, which depends on the rate of moisture evaporation. Has errors. Most often it is used at meteorological stations.
Having figured out how a technologically advanced society measures air humidity, we can also consider alternative options in the absence of a special device.
We use the psychometric principle of work
To take measurements using this method, you will need a regular mercury thermometer and a sheet of paper to record the results:
- temperature is measured and recorded;
- the “head” of the thermometer is wrapped in a damp cloth, and measurements are taken after 10 minutes;
- Next, an elementary mathematical subtraction of the second value from the first is performed.
Psychometric table Using the table above, you can find out the humidity value in the room.
Educational and interesting - measure humidity and entertain children
There is one not the most accurate, but the most common way to help measure humidity. To carry out the experiment, you will find everything you need in every kitchen. Another advantage of this method is the child’s interest in the process being carried out and the cognitive part itself.
A glass of water to determine humidity - cheap and cheerful To conduct such a mini-experiment, you need to pour a full glass of ordinary water and cool it to a temperature of +3..+5°C. After which the glass needs to be brought into the room where the measurements will be taken, placed away from heating and cooling devices and turn on all your attention to the maximum:
- If condensation begins to accumulate on the surface of the glass itself, and after 10 minutes it is completely dry, this means that the air in the room is dry.
- If within 10 minutes condensation appears on the walls of the glass and flows, this means that the humidity exceeds the norm.
- If the surface of the glass has not dried or flowed within 10 minutes, this means that the humidity in the room is within normal limits.
Of course, it is impossible to know with certainty what the percentage of humidity in the room is using this method. But you can dispel or confirm your doubts in this regard. In addition, there will be something to keep the child occupied for the evening.
What are the consequences of deviations from the norm of air humidity in an apartment?
Mold is an enemy not only to repairs, but also to health. You would think there was some kind of humidity there. It’s not like water is constantly flowing from the ceiling, which means you can live without worrying too much. Yes, air humidity is an intangible quantity, you cannot touch it. But you can feel the consequences of violating it:
- drying out of the mucous membrane – discomfort and increased likelihood of disease;
- with increased humidity, the risk of bronchial diseases increases;
- sleep disturbance and general immunity.
These are just three consequences that follow the systematic violation of humidity in the apartment. Now is the time to remember about the hated mold that loves to appear on walls and furniture. But the worst thing is that there is no way to cope with it using local methods. Only by normalizing humidity. Also, do not forget about constant temperature changes in rooms where humidity is not stabilized. And this is another unpleasant factor that is not easy to “get along with next door.”
Normalization of microclimate
Having made sure that humidity imbalance needs to be dealt with, let’s consider the main methods that will help in this matter. Of course, in the most “severe” cases, this issue can only be resolved by adjusting the ventilation. There are also simpler ways to solve this problem.
How to increase the humidity in a room using humidifiers
Humidifier The most optimal and modern version air humidification - the use of special devices - humidifiers. Depending on the type of structure, operating methods vary:
- Steam. Such devices operate on the “kettle” principle. Water is poured inside and brought to the desired temperature. Accordingly, steam is released. With such a humidifier you can very quickly increase the moisture content in the air. Such devices must be equipped with a hydrostat in order for automatic shutdown to occur on time. If this does not happen, excess moisture will occur. One of the disadvantages is the fragility of the design - heating elements They burn quickly, as in many small household appliances. Steam appliances also consume a lot of energy when operating.
- The principle of cold steam production. The essence of the operation is the elementary evaporation of water, which can be drawn from the tap, and without fear of plaque and rust inside the device. Special cartridges, wetted with water, are blown by mini-fans, which is why evaporation occurs. The level of humidity saturation can be adjusted by changing the fan speed. They can work in the same way as fragrances, provided that a special capsule with oil is inserted into the humidifier. The disadvantages include the high cost of the device.
- Ultrasonic – new generation humidifiers. The principle of its operation is as follows: water is supplied to a special membrane, which is vibrated using ultrasonic waves. The water is broken into billions of drops and supplied as steam to the room. Advantages: silent, ability to irrigate large areas. Disadvantages: high cost and sensitivity to water. In models with filters, you only need to change them on time, but without built-in “purity barriers” you constantly have to fill in distilled water.
Modern humidifier with built-in sensors From the above it can be concluded that for home use It is best to purchase traditional type humidifiers. How long a humidifier should work in a room depends on the intensity of evaporation, the model of the device itself, its power, the size of the room and the rate of air saturation in the apartment. It is easier to monitor this if a hygrometer is built into the device itself. To initially determine the operating time of the humidifier, read the attached instructions.
How to increase the humidity in an apartment using the old “old-fashioned method”
A humidifier, of course, is good and technologically advanced. But not very economical. To increase the humidity in a room, you don’t have to buy expensive devices; you can make do with improvised items:
- Get a miniature one winter Garden on the window. Constantly keeping house plants increases the humidity in the apartment, especially if they are regularly watered and sprayed.
- You can also place containers of water in the room. It is not necessary to fill a five-liter bucket. A few vases of water are enough.
- An alternative is to walk around the room with a hand-held flower sprayer several times a day.
Decorative fountain with bonsai - combo humidification For lovers of beauty, an open aquarium or an indoor fountain is most suitable - beautiful, original and useful.
We dry the air correctly
Portable dehumidifiers To reduce humidity in a room using a local method special devices– dehumidifiers. They are not as popular as humidifiers, but still find their buyer. There are several types:
- Evaporative − they work on the principle of absorbing air and removing excess moisture from it. After which the “purified” air masses return to the room. Capable of drying up to 10 liters per day. Recommended for rooms larger than 25 m².
- Adsorption − characterized by quiet operation. They contain an adsorbent that absorbs excess moisture. Suitable for small rooms - up to 10 m².
- Rotary devices They work on the principle of cooling and drying air passing through a rotor filled with adsorbent. Afterwards the air is heated and supplied back to the room.
Desiccant tablet If high humidity the room is seasonal, then in this case it is more practical and cheaper to use dehumidification tablets. They are an adsorbent in a special moisture trap. Special crystals draw moisture from the air, after which it is stored in a container underneath. One such tablet is fully functional for up to 3 months. After which it is simply replaced with a new one if necessary.
As you can see, it is quite possible to normalize the humidity in the room on your own. Moreover, in some cases it is simply necessary. The main thing is to take control of the situation, and the “weather in the house” will be the most favorable.
