HUMIDIFICATION & DEHUMIDIFICATION
www.heatingandventilating.net
Dry air is not just uncomfortable. In care settings, it can be a risk factor
Stephen Finkel, DriSteem regional sales manager says argues that the signs of dry indoor air in buildings gradually begin to affect comfort and resilience – a risk that needs to be managed
I
n many care environments, the signs of dry indoor air are easy to recognise. Residents may have dry or irritated eyes. Staff may notice a persistent tickle in their throat. There may be more nosebleeds than usual, or a greater reliance on hand creams to relieve tight, fragile skin. Individually, these issues seem minor.
Dry air is often most noticeable in winter, when
cold outdoor air contains little moisture and heating drives relative humidity down. However, it is not limited to seasonal conditions. Buildings with high ventilation rates and extended operating hours can experience low humidity at other times of the year as well. In care environments, this makes humidity less of a seasonal concern and more of a system performance issue. For healthy adults, this may be an irritation. For vulnerable residents, it is often more significant.
Why are vulnerable residents more affected?
The populations inside care environments include individuals with reduced immune response, chronic respiratory conditions, and ageing skin that is naturally less resilient. Medications can also affect hydration and residents’ perception of discomfort. These factors increase sensitivity to dry air. Low humidity affects the respiratory system first. The nose and throat rely on a moist surface to trap and remove airborne particles. When that surface dries, it becomes irritated and less effective. Even mild dryness can lead to discomfort and impair the respiratory system’s ability to trap and clear airborne particles, placing additional strain on
residents managing underlying conditions. Winter conditions already bring higher levels of seasonal illness, and drier indoor air can allow exhaled droplets to remain airborne longer. Humidity control plays a valuable role alongside ventilation and infection control in supporting a well-balanced indoor environment. Dry air contributes to irritated eyes and dry skin.
For older adults, skin dryness is not just a cosmetic issue. Fragile skin is more prone to cracking, increasing the risk of infection and the need for additional care. There is also a comfort response to consider. Very dry air can feel cooler than it is, prompting higher heating set points. This further reduces relative humidity, reinforcing a cycle of dryness and added heating expense that can be difficult to correct.
Maintaining a stable humidity range
A relative humidity range of 40 to 60 percent is widely accepted as a practical target. This range supports health and comfort while limiting the risk of condensation, mould, and building damage.
Left: Stephen Finkel, DriSteem regional sales manager
Additionally, humidity level stability is just as important as the target itself. Buildings that experience large swings in humidity often feel less comfortable than those that maintain steady conditions. In care settings, where residents spend most of their time indoors, consistency is critical.
Designing humidity control as part of the system
Humidity control should be integrated into the HVAC design, not treated as an add-on. For installers and specifiers, this means addressing humidity as part of overall system performance, alongside ventilation, heating, and cooling. Effective control starts with accurate sensing
and systems that adjust humidity smoothly, without overshooting. Dew point and surface temperatures must also be considered, as colder surfaces such as windows and external walls can cause moisture to condense if too much humidity is added. How moisture is introduced into the airstream also matters. Poor dispersion of steam or water droplets can lead to wetting and increased maintenance. Fast, even absorption supports stable conditions and reduces downstream issues. Proper commissioning remains critical. Systems must be tested and fine-tuned under real operating conditions to ensure they maintain consistent humidity as occupancy and ventilation demands change.
A practical starting point
Before planning upgrades, operators can take a simple first step. Install reliable hygrometers in representative areas such as bedrooms, lounges, and staff spaces, and monitor conditions over time. Tracking humidity levels helps identify persistent dryness or large fluctuations. These patterns can then be compared with comfort complaints and minor health issues to determine whether dry air is a contributing factor. Humidity as part of a care-focused environment Care facilities work to reduce avoidable stressors.
Temperature, lighting, noise, and air quality are all managed to support health and well-being. Humidity belongs in that same conversation. When properly controlled, humidity helps create
DriSteem’s RTS electric resistive humidifier
Ultra-sorb steam dispersion panels from DriSteem
a more stable and supportive indoor environment. Residents experience fewer dryness-related issues, and staff spend less time managing avoidable discomfort and illness. For those designing and maintaining these
systems, this is not a seasonal consideration. It is part of delivering buildings that consistently support the people who depend on them.
16 July 2026
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