In the last part of our Trotec practical knowledge series we discussed the dangers of very low air humidity. But the opposite, very high humidity with values above 60 percent also poses considerable health risks. Because if too much humid air circulates in the apartment, the basic requirement for strong growth of health-threatening mould is fulfilled. Hidden in the farthest corner or behind cupboards, mould soon takes on a lively life of its own. But where does the excess moisture actually come from? And what is the most elegant way to get rid of the excess?
In the most common cases, it is the resident themselves whose lifestyle causes the moisture sufficient for mould formation. For example, ten litres of water can quickly be produced in a small apartment daily: sweating and breathing, each person releases around one litre of moisture per person into the air each day, followed by showering being the biggest contributor to moisture, then cooking and drying laundry. Pets and house plants also add to this volume. Over the course of one week, at least 70 litres of water can collect – totalling two bath-tubs full per month.
The easiest way to check the humidity in your rooms is to use a hygrometer, such as the inexpensive indoor thermohygrometer BZ05 or its professional version, the BZ06 from Trotec. If your measurements show that the humidity values in your home or office are constantly above 60 percent, you should remedy this as soon as possible. Because then there is an acute danger of mould that is harmful to health. And once the mould spores get into our airways, it can lead to asthma or allergies as a result.
Depending on the season, you regulate the humidity differently …
- In summer, you should close outside blinds early in direct sunlight to keep the optimum room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius constant if possible. Keep the windows closed during the day so that the humidity does not rise above 60%. It is best to initiate the necessary air exchange in the early morning hours or in the late evening hours, when the temperatures outside are cooler and drier. Our tip: On the subject of ‘ventilation’, take another look at article 2/7, our practical knowledge series under section ‘How to ventilate correctly – in accordance with DIN standard 1946-6‘!
- In winter, the humidity level of living spaces quickly increases because although the windows are kept closed, people in the room permanently release eater vapour into the air through their breath. Therefore, you should also regularly measure the humidity of your rooms during the cold season. Because it is precisely then that so-called cold bridges tend to form on windows, where moist air condenses and promotes mould growth.
How to achieve and maintain optimum humidity in your home
- The room thermohygrometer BZ05 constantly measures and displays the two determining factors for the individual feel-good climate – air temperature and humidity. In addition, the integrated comfort indicator shows whether the personal indoor climate values are currently within an optimal, acceptable or critical range.
- The thermohygrometer BZ06 is an indispensable in laboratories, agricultural operations and floristry thanks to its practical combination of precise measurement technology and easy one-handed operation. In this way, you obtain accurate temperature and relative humidity readings in living rooms, offices and warehouses in a matter of seconds.
- The professional dehumidifiers of the HomeComfort series from Trotec are a particularly convenient solution to problems. With these branded quality devices, you can ensure optimal humidity and a healthy, comfortable climate on your own four walls all year around. We offer you such an extensive selection of dehumidifiers for every requirement that you are sure to find the right device for you with us.
Practical tips: How to find the perfect dehumidifier for your needs
When choosing the right dehumidifier you should focus on four selection factors: room temperature, operating costs, effective radius and desired range of functions, or the different comfort features of the devices.
- Selection factor room temperature: the average air temperature in the room to be dried is the most important decision criterion for selecting the suitable dehumidifier. For private users, the comfort dehumidifiers of the TTK series from Trotec with electronic automatic defrosting are usually recommended, which can also perform their service unattended in heated rooms.
- Selection factor effective radius: Adsorption dryers are ideal for all room sizes and reliable operation at low temperatures. Where conventional condensation dryers dehumidify only insufficiently or uneconomically due to low room temperatures, adsorption dehumidifiers show their strengths even at low temperatures of 1°C and above.
- Selection factor functional range: Devices in the same performance class differ in terms of the comfort features that may be important to the user for his intended purpose. For example, a 24-hour timer should be integrated for periodic automatic dehumidification operation, and a corresponding timer function should be used if auto shut-off is desired. The place of use also plays a role: for instance, if you want to use the device unattended in continuous operation, such as in a weekend or vacation home, then the dehumidifier should have a drainage connection, so that instead of the regularly necessary emptying of the water tank, the condensate can be emptied into a drain.
- Selection factor operating costs: in terms of the cost-benefit effect and dehumidification performance in relation to energy consumption, the compression-operated condenser dryer can clearly claim victory in just about all living areas.
Easy humidity check– thanks to innovative measuring devices from Trotec
Get comprehensive information on all of the ways our air quality management can benefit you. And on top of that you benefit from our current special offer prices because you get Trotec brand quality:
- the room thermohygrometer BZ05 reduced from £19.70 to only £12.46,
- the room thermohygrometer BZ06 reduced from £19.70 to only £12.46,
incl. VAT – now in the Trotec shop!
Trotec practical knowledge ‘Tips for a better room climate’
1/7 Simply ban viruses, allergens and fine dust from your home
2/7 How to ventilate your room correctly and sustainably
3/7 How to avoid dry indoor air and reduce the risk of corona infection
4/7 How to prevent excessive indoor humidity
5/7 How to prevent health-threatening mould growth
6/7 How to banish bad odours and stench from indoor air
7/7 How to improve your well-being with indoor plants
