Interior humidity levels

M

Marion

Moderator
Messages
2,021
What is the optimum humidity level for a home?

I purchased a Lidl gadget that shows currently shows the following figures:

66% humidity (comfort)
19.7 interior (C)
13.8 outdoor (C)

Marion
 
Yes. I did look at google but mine shows comfort at 66% so I am wondering if this is high enough to warrant getting a humidifier.

Marion
 
Caveat said:
It is. Not sure about the spec. of the Lidl RH sensor though - you'll find some of the sensors on these types of gadgets only have +/- 10% accuracy.
Click to expand...
Yeah - and a lot of those off the shelf temperature sensors are also only +/- 1 or 2 degrees celsius accuracy which is not that accurate!
 
Marion said:
Yes. I did look at google but mine shows comfort at 66% so I am wondering if this is high enough to warrant getting a humidifier.
Click to expand...
Why? What problems are you encountering with suspected elevated humidity levels?
 
I have wooden floor throughout my ground floor space.

Maintaining correct humidity levels seems to be considered (based on my reading of sites thrown up by Google) the way to prevent problems that may arise.

Marion
 
If you are concerned about RH/temp. levels Marion, you would probably be better off buying a dedicated industrial spec. instrument.

Can't comment specifically on the one you have but often these 'consumer' type gadgets are little more than gimmicks.

You should be able to get a reasonable unit (+/- 3% RH; +/- 0.5C) for around €60 - €70.

Try:

www.radionics.ie

e.g. Testo 608-H1 is quite good for the price.
 
I consistently have a RH reading of 55% - 65% at 19 C in my home. I believe that Ireland's RH is higher than our European neighbours because our climate. Getting a dehumidifier will lower the RH. I did this but the level rose again if the dehumidifier was not used regularly. I had hired an industrial one after a leak and excessive condensation. Lowering the RH can effect sinuses and cause shringing/cracking of flooring also.
 
Marion said:
I have wooden floor throughout my ground floor space.

Maintaining correct humidity levels seems to be considered (based on my reading of sites thrown up by Google) the way to prevent problems that may arise.

Marion
Click to expand...

The horse has bolted on that one. If you are interested in achieving a certain RH you should have established that before the floor went down. If you change the RH now you may cause gaps in your floor. If the rooms are comfortable and no sign of dampness best leave well enough alone.

Nobody ever pays too much attention to RH unless of ill heath and a dryer RH and temp alleviated the symptoms.
 
The RH was 62.5% (taken by the installer with his own equipment) when the floors were laid during the summer.

Marion
 
I know next to nothing about this, but - as far as I understand - RH is only meaningful with reference to temperature.
 
simp said:
I know next to nothing about this, but - as far as I understand - RH is only meaningful with reference to temperature.
Click to expand...

The actual %RH reading represents a temperature compensated figure - all RH sensors depend on a temperature reading and this has already been calculated when you see the RH figure.

All units which provide %RH readings also have a temperature (usually thermistor type) sensor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top