Relative Humidity and its role in your comfort level at your home is fairly straightforward, but also fairly deep and complex as far as the number of factors that should be considered, and the number of things you should look for and maintain properly. Last week we listed tips that will help ensure Exhaust Air is managed properly. This week, we’ve assembled suggestions and tips for managing Fresh Air Supply and In Unit Air Movement.
Fresh Air Supply Management
- Many jurisdictions require a minimum 8 or more air changes per unit interior space in any given 24-hour period under current code.
- In electric or radiant heat supplied homes ensure that any through-wall or ceiling located fresh air vents remain at least partially open to provide the volume of fresh air required to meet air change requirements in your home
- If no through wall or ceiling fresh air vent exists in electric or radiant heat supplied homes (and if a window(s) can safely be ‘cracked’ open) try to ensure that at least one window is always allowing fresh air into your unit
- In a forced air heated unit, ensure the heat chamber is connected to an exterior piped fresh air supply in addition to any recirculation ducting in place
In Unit Air Movement Management
- Air movement across ceiling & wall planes & glass surfaces within each home is important because effectively moving air does not change temperature as rapidly as ‘stale’ or very slow-moving air. That distinction is important because it helps prevent condensation and resulting dampness, wetting, or fogging that can accompany it. Key locations to be aware of:
- Glass panes, particularly those that have stale air traps because of window coverings
- Room corners, particularly at ceiling & floor locations or in unheated closets & small storage rooms
- If possible, avoid long periods of tightly shut doors, particularly in small rooms & those adjacent to large volume humidity sources
- Ceiling fans can do an excellent job of maintaining air movement in given rooms or areas
- Small area fans can provide directed air flow to problem locations
#relative humidity #stratahomes #strataliving #home repair
Image Credit: Copyright:maridav
