Brochure

21
Understanding
Humidity
Humidifiers operate by the principle
that vapor is created when warm dry air
is blown over a moist pad (flow-through
units), or through steam from evaporated
heated water (steam units). As the vapor
or steam circulates, the relative humidity
rises in the living areas.
Relative Humidity
The amount of moisture present at a given
temperature versus the maximum amount of
humidity the air is capable of holding at that same
temperature. If relative humidity is 35% at a given
temperature, the air is 35% saturated with water.
Dew Point
The temperature at which moisture in the air
will condense into water droplets. To prevent
condensation, dew point must be below the
temperature of the coldest surface in the house.
As the temperature of home surfaces (If the
inside surface of a window drops below dew point,
condensation forms.)
Infiltration
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Without
adequate humidification, the natural infiltration of
cold, dry, outside air into a home will lower the indoor
relative humidity far below the comfort level. During
the winter months, indoor relative humidity can drop
below 6% as a result. Too little humidity can damage
wooden assets in the home, including hardwood
floors, staircases, furniture and musical instruments.
Identifying Whole Home
Humidification
Opportunities
Homes with lots of wood furnishings,
paintings or musical instruments
Proper humidity reduces risk of damage
to home’s woodwork, flooring,
musical instruments and paintings.
Conversation starters
• Did you know many wood flooring companies
require a centrally ducted humidifier for the floor
warranty to be valid?
• Did you know that without proper levels of
humidity, wood floors can crack or form gaps
and warp?
• Did you know your paintings and musical
instruments can crack or go out of tune
without humidity?
Humidified Air
This image shows the humidifying process
used by evaporative flow through humidifiers.