Humidity control
www.heatingandventilating.net
A proactive approach to health and safety
I
t can play a vital role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of building occupants and it can protect the longevity of materials while
contributing to a facility’s overall energy efficiency. With recent global health challenges, humidity management has emerged as a critical consideration, particularly in shared spaces. The control of indoor relative humidity (RH) levels can reduce the spread of airborne viruses and pathogens since they thrive in environments with low humidity. Dry air will cause respiratory droplets to shrink quickly, suspending infectious particles for extended periods and increasing the risk of transmission. Conversely, higher humidity levels cause these droplets to become heavier, making them more likely to settle on surfaces rather than remain airborne. Research suggests that maintaining humidity levels between 40% and 60% RH can help reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19. Humidity control can benefit every indoor
environment. In offices, maintaining appropriate humidity levels contributes to the comfort and productivity of employees. Controlling humidity prevents issues like dry air, which can lead to discomfort, dry skin, and respiratory problems. Thus, it reduces absenteeism and fosters a more conducive work environment. Similarly, proper RH control is essential for creating
a comfortable and healthy learning environment in schools. Maintaining optimal humidity levels helps prevent mould growth, which can trigger allergies and respiratory problems among students and staff. Moreover, controlling humidity can enhance the longevity of educational materials and equipment, ensuring they remain in good condition for an extended period. In retail spaces, humidity control is vital for
preserving merchandise quality and customer comfort. Maintaining stable humidity levels helps prevent damage to products caused by fluctuations
Recognising the pivotal role of humidity in indoor spaces and investing in cutting-edge humidity control technologies to regulate it, can unlock many benefits for both buildings and their occupants. That’s the view of Stephen Finkel, DriSteem regional sales manager
Left: Stephen Finkel, DriSteem regional sales manager
in moisture, such as warping, degradation, or mould growth. Additionally, controlling humidity creates a pleasant shopping experience for customers by ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. Efficient humidity control also translates into energy
savings while optimizing the operation of buildings and facilities. Proper humidity control can lead to energy savings by maximising the performance of HVAC systems. Energy consumption can be significantly reduced by reducing the need for heating or cooling to compensate for humidity-related discomfort. Various systems have been developed to regulate indoor humidity effectively. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are commonly used to add or remove moisture from the air and maintain humidity within the desired range. Modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often incorporate humidity control features, regulating temperature and moisture to create a comfortable indoor environment. There are two main humidification methods for
commercial applications: isothermal and adiabatic. Isothermal (steam) humidifiers function by boiling water inside the humidifier tank and then distributing it into the ductwork, through a steam manifold, or directly
into the space. Several types of isothermal systems are available, including electric resistive, electrode, steam exchange, and gas-fired humidifiers. On the other hand, adiabatic (evaporative) humidifiers utilize the heat in the air to evaporate water into the ductwork or directly into the space. These humidifiers not only provide humidification but also offer evaporative cooling simultaneously. When selecting a humidification system for commercial use, various factors need consideration, such as the available energy source, required capacity, supply water, available space, maintenance requirements, and more. Considering the significant benefits of maintaining optimal indoor humidity, implementing humidity control systems in public spaces like offices, schools, and shopping centres is crucial. This proactive measure can create healthier environments, reducing respiratory infections and allergies, particularly in crowded areas. Protecting health, safety, and materials while ensuring energy efficiency is crucial for today’s buildings. DriSteem provides innovative humidification solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of different environments. Whether integrating humidity control solutions in existing structures or implementing them in new buildings, factors like the type of indoor space, energy source, required maintenance, and capacity, determine the best technology for each building.
28 July 2024
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