HUMIDITY CONTROL


Keeping humidity under control


Energy effi ciency, reliability and low maintenance costs are key factors for consideration when selecting the appropriate humidifi cation unit for any given environment. Maintaining the right level of humidity to match the specifi c requirements of a room necessitates precision control and is just as paramount to the health and wellbeing of occupants as it is to the protection of items with special values. Andie Chessun, HygroMatik’s national sales manager and FETA’s Humidity Group chairman, explores what to consider when installing units for diff erent environments and the benefi ts of specifying humidifi ers.


T 20 September 2018


here are rigorous humidification standards across a variety of sectors, including in the medical, textile and pharmaceutical industries. Likewise, humidity control in places such as offices, educational institutions, shopping centres and spa and well-being environments can have a significant impact on both health and productivity.


Take museums. for example, where fluctuating humidity levels can cause paintings to peel and antique furniture and musical instruments to be susceptible to cracks or warping. Variations in humidity may also result in frames becoming twisted and can also cause splits and


shrinkage to occur in natural materials such as sculptures. These materials require a consistent level of air humidity that meets the bespoke needs of each artefact in order to safeguard their intrinsic value.


Similarly, rare books and, indeed, the survival of anything made of paper typically requires a humidity level of 40-50% RH. As paper is hygroscopic, it reacts to changes in humidity and can become frail; a fluctuation of more than 5% RH being enough to lead to irreversible damage.


The Association of Art and Antiques Dealers advises against exposing items to any drastic changes in


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