How to measure humidity levels

HOW TO MEASURE HUMIDITY LEVELS?

WHY MEASURE HUMIDITY LEVELS?

Measuring the humidity level of the ambient air serves several purposes. For example, to prevent your home from becoming unhealthy, to protect your furniture from damage, or to safeguard your health and that of your family. At home or in the office, comfort is often associated with the room temperature. But that's not

the only factor! Most people are unaware that relative humidity plays a role in the "balance of the indoor climate" in your home, and thus the feeling of well-being.

The humidity level varies depending on the home, the outside weather, the region you live in, and your lifestyle habits (heating, ventilation, cooking, showering, etc.).

By measuring the humidity in your home, you can control and effectively act on the indoor air quality, either by humidifying or dehumidifying the air.

In a room

where the temperature is between 16 and 26°C,

the optimal humidity level

should be between

40 et 60%

WHAT IS HUMIDITY?

Humidity is the science that defines the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere and in the air we breathe. Scientists and meteorologists refer to the "degree of humidity" or "relative humidity" (RH), expressed as a percentage and measured with a hygrometer.

This percentage represents the ratio between the amount of moisture in the air and the maximum amount of water the air can hold, depending on the temperature. For example, at 100% relative humidity, the air is saturated with water molecules, making it "humid," which causes clouds, rain, or fog. Conversely, at 0%, the air is devoid of water molecules, making it "dry" (though this never happens, not even in deserts).

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF AIR THAT IS TOO DRY OR TOO HUMID?

If the relative humidity exceeds 60%, the air is too humid. When the relative humidity is below 40%, the air is too dry. Both are signs of poor indoor air quality. A bad indoor climate presents risks to people’s health and can cause damage to furniture and the building structure:

- Mold formation

- Furniture warping

- Dry mucous membranes and skin

- Itching and dry eyes

- Respiratory problems, asthma attacks, chronic cough

- Headaches and migraines

- Fatigue & feelings of exhaustion

HOW TO MEASURE HUMIDITY IN MY ROOM?

Pour choisir l’humidificateur adapté à votre besoin, il est nécessaire de prendre en compte certains points :

Observe Your Environment

Observe Your Environment

Certain signs can give you clues about the air quality in your home. If the air is too humid, you may notice:

- Condensation on windows,

- Mold stains on walls and ceilings,

- Clothes that don’t dry,

- A musty smell

- Wood swelling

However, if the air is too dry, you may observe:

- Cracks in wooden furniture,

- Squeaky floors,

- An abundance of dust,

- Frequent thirst,

- Dry, tight skin.

Try the "Ice Cube Technique"

If you don't have a hygrometer at home, here's a simple trick to estimate your home's humidity level:

- In a glass, put some cold water and 2 or 3 ice cubes.

- After 5 minutes, you will observe a result:

- If the ice cubes have melted and there is condensation on the glass, the air is humid. However, if there is no condensation, the ambient humidity level is too low, and the air is dry.

Note that this test will not be accurate if done in a kitchen, as the result may be skewed by cooking steam.

Use a Hygrometer

The simplest and most accurate solution is to use a hygrometer. This small electronic device allows you to precisely measure relative humidity. A hygrometer will tell you whether the air in your home is too humid, too dry, or just right.

This accessory helps you take timely action if humidity levels remain too high or too low for an extended period.

WHERE SHOULD I PLACE MY HYGROMETER?

To get an optimal reading with your hygrometer, place it in a suitable position and location:

- Air should be able to circulate around the device.

- Your hygrometer should not be placed in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

- Do not place it next to a window or door.

- Ideally, place it on a dresser or table.

HOW TO REGULATE THE HUMIDITY LEVEL IN MY HOME?

- Remember to maintain your VMC by dusting it

- Use an air humidifier to increase the humidity in your room

- Install a dehumidifier to reduce the ambient humidity level

WHY DOES THE HUMIDITY LEVEL VARY THROUGHOUT THE DAY?

The humidity level in a home fluctuates with the seasons, the weather, and the temperature.

The colder the air, the less water vapor it can hold. Conversely, the warmer the air, the more water molecules it will retain. For example, in a room heated to 20-22°C, 1m3 of air can absorb up to 20 grams of water vapor. Outside, however, if the temperature is 0°C, the air can only absorb 5 grams of water. In this second case, the air is considered to have reached 100% humidity, or the maximum amount of water it could hold.

It should be noted that in winter, heating significantly dries out the air. Therefore, avoid overheating your home. In fact, lowering the room temperature by one degree can increase humidity by up to 3%.

JE VEUX RÉGULER LE TAUX D’HUMIDITÉ DE MON LOGEMENT