Temperature and humidity are two important parameters that affect thermal comfort, which in turn may cause potential problems to your indoor air quality.

Relative humidity levels below 25% are associated with increased discomfort and drying of the mucous membranes and skin. On the other end of the spectrum, high humidity levels (>60%) may result in condensation within the building structure and on interior or exterior surfaces. This may lead to the subsequent development of mold.

ASHRAE Standard 55-2009, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, presents guidelines that are intended to achieve thermal conditions that at least 80% of the occupants would find acceptable or comfortable. ASHRAE specifies a range between 25% and 60% as ideal.

Managing the relationship between temperature and humidity will control thermal comfort within the space and reduce the potential for the presence of biological contaminants including mold. Finding the right balance between the two is important. Mold contamination can cause health issues including respiratory problems, allergies, eye, nose and throat irritations. Indoor mold contamination in your home or workplace may be undetected until symptoms appear.

AirMD’s team of environmental consultants are equipped to assess whether or not your temperature and humidity levels are in harmony with each other for a healthier indoor quality environment.

On site, AirMD consultants will:

Determine if moisture is present in building materials;

Check for any evidence of high or low temperatures;

Check for local sources of heating or cooling;

Ensure that there is a balanced air distribution network;

Look for any obstruction of air circulation, among other key pieces of evidence.

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AirMD provides comprehensive environmental consulting nationwide.

Call us at 1-888-GO AIRMD with any of your indoor environmental questions and concerns, or to schedule an appointment with one of our consultants

For more information, please explore our website here at www.airmd.com

The post BALANCING TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

While I do not advise people to take this approach with their significant others, I am sympathetic with his situation, the situation of not knowing what the problem is or if there is a problem.

He asked me to look at there home and after an assessment it was apparent what was going on.

Temperature and humidity levels in indoor environments must be monitored, as they can lead to comfort problems in home and office environments. High ambient temperatures and relative humidity can cause occupant discomfort and can provide the appropriate conditions for the growth of mold. Low humidity conditions can cause eye irritation and sinus problems.

My friend’s situation was a result of his air conditioning not working effectively and not removing enough humidity, thus the too hot, too cold scenario. The air conditioning unit in his home was not supplying enough cool air to the home (was not operating as it should) when they set the thermostat to their preferred temperature (74ºF).

As a result of activities in the home and the air conditioning’s inability to supply cool drier air, the humidity levels in the home increased, resulting in conditions feeling much warmer than 74ºF. To counteract this problem they set their thermostat at 62ºF, and this resulted in them feeling to cold when sitting close to an air vent. This also resulted in a much higher electricity bill.

Factors affecting temperature and humidity levels in indoor environments include air conditioning problems, dirty filters, defective insulation, inadequate air supply and air infiltration from the outside.

For homeowners it is very important to have their air conditioning checked annually as well as having homes evaluated for moisture intrusion and air infiltration. Preventative maintenance is the cheapest and most effective way to prevent bigger problems that will cost a lot in the future.

The post Temperature and Humidity: How It Can Affect You appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.