How and with what to measure humidity in a room: a review of instruments and the best methods
The content of water vapor in the air is an important indicator of the comfort of the indoor microclimate.Agree that excessive dryness or, conversely, air humidity can have an extremely negative impact on the well-being of not only people.
An uncomfortable microclimate also affects plants, pets, the condition of furniture, walls and their decoration. In order to optimize the microclimate, it is necessary to find out how to measure the humidity in a room and what indicators are considered optimal for human life?
You can find answers to these and many other questions in our material.
The content of the article:
The first signs of microclimate change
An uncomfortable microclimate can be defined as any deviation in relative humidity. The air is too dry, as well as excessively wet, harms human health, interior items, furniture and all living things.
The primary ways to determine fluctuations in air humidity and dryness are:
- unpleasant sensations on the mucous membranes, dry skin that is unusual for humans, the appearance of cough, frequent colds or allergic reactions;
- formation of condensation on windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces;
- the occurrence of mold, dampness;
- wilting of plants;
- change in the appearance of furniture (drying, swelling of varnished items, etc.).
Any of these changes can be caused by air that is too dry or humid.
Pay attention to the first signs of increased humidity or dryness - they become an important reason to start measuring indicators.
In order to most accurately measure relative humidity and take any measures to balance this indicator, special instruments should be used.
Methods for measuring humidity
The indicator of a comfortable indoor microclimate is called relative humidity air. This parameter is calculated based on the steam content and its interaction with the air.
Relative humidity is measured in several ways:
- visually and according to the sensations of those who are regularly in the room;
- using special equipment;
- using alternative methods.
Let's take a closer look at how you can measure indoor air humidity and what you need to do this.
Hardware measurement of relative humidity
To the most accurate and in demand humidity measuring instruments are considered hygrometers.
A hygrometer is a device that is designed for high-precision measurement of air humidity and is divided into several subtypes.
The most classic versions of such devices are: hair, film and psychometric hygrometers.
Option number 1 - hair hygrometer
This type of hygrometer is based on synthetic hair, a measuring scale with an arrow and a spring. When the indicators fluctuate relative to humidity, the tension force of the hair changes, which causes the spring to operate and display the measured data on the scale.
Such a device can measure readings ranging from 30% to 80%.
Option No. 2 - film-type hygrometer
Such a device consists of a sensitive film and a counterweight that respond to changes in air dryness or humidity. The indicators are displayed on a scale and, as in the previous case, range from 30% to 80%.
Option No. 3 - psychometric device
Psychometric type hygrometer. This device works on the principle of interaction between two thermometers (dry and wet). The readings displayed on the thermometer scale must be checked with a special table and accurate data on the humidity in the room must be calculated.
This type of device comes in three types: remote, stationary, and aspiration. The most popular is the station hygrometer.
Option No. 4 - laboratory instruments
Such devices belong to the category of professional hygrometers, used exclusively in laboratory conditions. This subtype of measuring instruments includes mechanical weighing and condensation devices.
Their use requires special skills and knowledge, so these hygrometers are not used for home humidity measurements.
Option No. 5 - electronic hygrometers
These devices are digital instruments for measuring indoor climate. They are compact, easy to use and do not require any special skills from the owner.
Digital hygrometers are equipped with a special sensor and can operate either on mains power or on battery power, depending on the model and its cost.
Multifunctional digital hygrometers are often advertised by manufacturers as weather stations. These devices not only allow you to monitor indoor humidity levels, but also have a modern design and an amazing combination of options.
Alternative methods for measuring humidity
You should not trust alternative methods 100%, however, their readings may be a reason to purchase professional measuring equipment.
In addition to special equipment, there are alternative methods, however, such techniques are not among the most effective. They are only able to indicate deviations in the relative humidity of the room.
So how do you measure relative humidity in a room if you don’t have a hygrometer at hand?
Method number 1 - a glass of water
In order to put this method into action, you need to take ordinary tap water into a glass and cool it in the refrigerator to a temperature of no more than +5 ° C. Then, remove the glass from the refrigerator, leave it in the room for 10 minutes and evaluate the results of the experiment.
If the glass dries out after 10 minutes, you can draw conclusions that the air is too dry.The optimal result is the presence of condensation that does not dry out, but does not flow down in large drops.
This indicates normal air humidity, comfortable for humans.
Method No. 2 - using a mercury thermometer
This method is based on a principle similar to the functioning of a psychometric hygrometer. In order to measure the humidity of a room, it is necessary to measure the air temperature with a regular mercury thermometer and record the readings.
Then, wrap the thermometer head with thick cotton cloth or gauze soaked in water and measure the room temperature again. To obtain accurate indicators, you need to calculate the difference between the first and second measurements and calculate the result using a special table.
The results of the two above methods for determining humidity cannot be called reliable, therefore, to obtain accurate indicators, it is recommended to use professional or home hygrometers.
Recommendations for choosing a hygrometer
Modern hygrometers differ not only in functionality, but also in size, price and measurement accuracy.
The most optimal type of devices are considered to be digital devices, for the use of which you do not need to make any calculations or have any professional skills.
Such a hygrometer should be selected based on the following criteria:
- manufacturer's permissible measurement error;
- width of the range of operating values;
- heating threshold if the device is planned to be used in saunas or baths;
- speed of calculation of results;
- compactness and mobility;
- the presence of additional options - clock, calendar, alarm clock, barometer, built-in Wi-fi module and others;
- price category and manufacturer.
Before purchasing a hygrometer, you should carefully study not only the characteristics of devices offered on the market, but also reviews from customers who have already tested the device in action.
By purchasing a high-quality hygrometer, you can be confident in the accuracy of relative humidity measurements. However, a number of related questions arise about how to normalize the microclimate and what methods and devices to use to normalize indicators.
Tips for creating a comfortable microclimate
Follow the advice on regulating indoor humidity and be confident in the comfort and health of your household.
Instead of a humidifier you can use climatic equipment with built-in humidification and ionization function.
In rooms where the humidity is higher than normal, it is necessary to avoid drying clothes indoors and ensure high-quality ventilation of the room. Remember to use the dehumidifier regularly.
Careful measurement and control of relative humidity in any room is the key to the health and well-being of humans, plants, animals and the longevity of furniture and other structures that may lose their appearance due to excessive humidity or dry air.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
How to measure indoor air humidity using a glass of water:
As you can see, a good measuring device is only half the battle; the most important thing is to take timely measures to restore the microclimate in the room and regularly monitor changes in the hygrometer readings.
Do you measure the air humidity in your own home? What methods or devices do you use to do this? Please share your own experience with our readers. Leave your comments in the block below.
