We don’t always think about it, but humidity plays a major role in the comfort of the house. Too dry or too wet air can damage the accommodation and, in the long run, harm the health of the occupants. Here’s what you need to know.
The humidity of a housing fluctuates according to the seasons, the rooms and the lifestyle of the occupants. But certain factors, such as faulty insulation, can strongly unbalance it. Fortunately, there are Solutions to find a normal rate If you encounter more or less important humor problems at home.
What is the normal humidity rate?
Even if we tend to forget it, an abnormal quantity of humidity in the house can have multiple consequences on our quality of life. The rate of humidity (the degree of humidity present in the air) must be between 40 and 65% indoors to be considered “normal”. This fork can obviously vary depending on the room temperature, the season, but remains a reliable base on which relying according to health professionals.
In a bedroomthe optimal humidity rate is slightly lower than in other rooms – Between 30 and 50% – Quite simply because the temperature is supposed to be less important in this area of the house. A minimum of 40% humidity is however recommended in a nursery because babies are naturally more sensitive to air quality. Conversely, humidity necessarily increases in the bathroom where it varies Between 50 and 70%. Air after each shower is a reflex that is simple to adopt to avoid excessive condensation.
Humidity in the house: What are the causes of a bad rate?
Some dwellings are subject to humidity problems because of their date of construction. Indeed, if it is not uncommon to deal with cracks and other molds in the houses of the 70s, it is because they were mainly made of concrete or concrete blocks. However, these materials are not always adapted to climatic conditions: naturally porous, they promote the transfer of humidity, causing severe damage If the insulation is not optimal. The pre-war buildings suffer less from this problem, because they were built with local materials and therefore adapted to the climate.
Other factors can worsen a poor humidity, including seasons. In summer, humidity should normally be around 40% to offer us optimal comfort; However, the outside air is more water loaded when it is hot and consequently increases the humidity inside. A phenomenon that is easily observed in the bathroom when the fog stagnates for a long time. In the same way, it happens that a usually normal rate falls at the arrival of winter due to the heating which dries up the air.
The appearance of small black spots on the walls or on the ceiling, a wallpaper that takes off on its own, often fogged windows are all signs of an excess of humidity within the house. Some people, especially those suffering from pathologies such as asthma or rheumatism, can see their condition deteriorate in a space where the rate of humidity is above 70%. On the other hand, if you notice cracks on your wooden furniture, paints that crackle or “chestnut handles” when you touch metal elements, it is that the humidity is certainly insufficient. Less alarming, this problem can however disrupt sleep, but also cause eczema, headache and drying of the airways.
To know precisely the humidity of an interior, it is necessary toUse a hygrometer. This device, sold in DIY stores for ten euros, measures the temperature and the humidity of a room, which should normally be between 40 and 65% of the air. Be careful, however, not to place it in a place where the result could be distorted by the proximity of a radiator or cooking plates.
There are simple solutions to remedy humidity problems. First of all, it is advisableaerate regularly The parts, and more particularly after physical activities such as sport or cleaning which generate a lot of heat. The hood must be systematically connected when preparing meals. Finally, it can be wise toinstall plants which naturally permeate the water present in the air, like tropical species such as the ficus or the orchid.
In addition to these daily gestures, it is possible toInvest in dehumidifiers To lower the humidity of a building. Sold with a chemical absorber or in an electric version, these products absorb the excess water in the air – just keep an eye on the receptacle and empty it when filled. Another option, more eco -friendly, is to make a house dehumidifier With a waterproof tank and charcoal. But when the water has wreaked havoc in the house, causing infiltration and cracks, the installation of a new VMC (controlled mechanical ventilation) is essential. This ventilation system must be placed by a professional once the damage is repaired.
Heating is one of the first gestures to adopt to overcome the lack of humidity of a room. Contrary to popular belief, ventilation is just as beneficial in this case since a thermal shock between the interior and the exterior can create humidity. It is for this reason that it is advisable to open the bathroom door after a shower – so the dampness will be able to spread in the rest of the home. Finally, let’s not forget the technique of our grandmothers which consists of Place a bowl filled with water in the rooms where the air is too dry.
To these little tips is added the option of portable humidifiers. From the steam model to ultrasound versions, these devices are available according to needs and budgets, and allow to spread tiny drops in the ambient air. If the house is large and the moisture defect affects all the rooms, it is better to turn to a central humidifierconnected directly to existing mechanical ventilation. Like its portable cousins, this system requires a rigorous and regular cleaning of filters to prevent them from getting caught up.
