Most people are aware that humidity can be a nuisance. However, did you know that higher levels of air moisture are much more than an annoyance? Instead, they can lead to some significant risks that you should be aware of.
In this article, we’ll highlight the greatest risks of high humidity, discuss ideal relative humidity (RH) levels for various spaces, and touch on what you can do to prevent high humidity and avoid the negative outcomes that accompany it.
Risks of High Humidity
Poor Air Quality
Our first risk of high humidity in your indoor spaces is reduced air quality. Any time the relative humidity gets to an extremely high level, you can expect breathing to become more difficult. Difficulty breathing is most prevalent when relative humidity rises above 50% for a prolonged period.
The poor air quality that high humidity brings is especially detrimental to those who already suffer from respiratory complications. For example, people with asthma and allergies will have an especially difficult time breathing in areas of high humidity.
Mold and Mildew
Excessively high levels of air moisture encourage the growth of mold and mildew. In fact, mold and mildew growths may be the first visual signs you detect indicating that moisture levels are too high.
Unfortunately, mold and mildew are not only unsightly but also dangerous to both human health and the structural integrity of your building. Mold and mildew enter the air and lower the overall air quality. Over time, these substances can also begin to degrade certain materials like concrete.
Pest Infestations
Although you might not expect it, higher levels of humidity can also encourage pest infestations. The reason behind this phenomenon is that many of the most common indoor pests prefer a location that is somewhat moist.
For instance, cockroaches, termites, spiders, mosquitoes, gnats, and some rodents are just a few of the pests that enjoy a more humid environment. As such, if keeping pests out is a priority for you, high humidity is something you’ll need to avoid as much as you can.
Excessive Condensation
Unsurprisingly, high humidity often leads to greater amounts of condensation forming on walls, ceilings, and other exposed surfaces. However, while condensation seems benign, it can exacerbate many of the moisture-related issues that we have already mentioned in this article.
Condensation is the ideal environmental factor for mold and mildew growth. It can also result in damage to wallpaper, paint, and other materials. Accumulations of condensation may also result in higher amounts of dust mites in the air.
Energy Inefficiency
One risk that you might not expect from high humidity is overall energy inefficiency. When condensation and relative humidity accumulate near your HVAC units, it can become more difficult for those units to operate effectively. This increase in difficulty of operation leads to higher levels of energy use.
As your HVAC units expend greater levels of energy to perform their job, it not only leads to reduced energy efficiency but also results in higher energy bills for you. Keeping humidity at an acceptable level is just one of many ways you can ensure your building is energy efficient and that you don’t need to pay more in energy costs than necessary.
Higher Rates of Corrosion
High moisture levels also increase the risk of corrosion. This process occurs when certain materials are exposed to air moisture. The risk of corrosion is most prevalent for metals, but it is also present for other material types as well.
Corrosion is quite similar to rusting, and it can cause certain materials to degrade to the point where they are completely unusable. This common corrosion effect can lead to a greater need for frequent and costly repairs.
Damage to Stored Items
Our final risk of high humidity is relevant in any area that you use for storage. In these spaces, a high degree of air moisture can quickly damage and ruin your stored items. If those items are valuable, moisture can prove to be an incredibly costly environmental factor that you’ll want to mitigate at all costs.
Moisture can be especially damaging to books and other paper-based items. However, it can also damage wood, cloth, and many other common materials. Since the damage moisture creates can affect so many materials, few stored items will be safe over the long term in a location with high humidity.
Ideal Relative Humidity Levels for Various Spaces
Maintaining optimal relative humidity levels is crucial for comfort, health, and preserving your living or working environment. Here are the ideal RH levels for different spaces:
Offices
In office environments, the recommended relative humidity level is between 40% and 60%. This range promotes comfort for employees, reduces the risk of static electricity, and helps maintain office equipment in good condition.
Industrial Workspaces
Industrial settings often require more specific humidity control depending on the processes and materials involved. Generally, a range of 45% to 55% RH is suitable for many industrial applications. However, some industries may require much lower or higher levels based on their specific needs.
Dry Rooms
Dry rooms, used in various industries including electronics manufacturing and pharmaceutical production, require extremely low humidity levels. These spaces typically maintain relative humidity levels below 1%, with some applications requiring even lower levels.
Museums and Archives
To preserve delicate artifacts and documents, museums and archives typically aim for a relative humidity range of 45% to 55%. Stability is key in these environments, so avoid fluctuations as much as possible.
Greenhouses
Plants thrive in higher humidity environments. For most greenhouses, a relative humidity range of 50% to 70% is ideal, depending on the types of plants being grown.
How to Avoid the Risks of High Humidity
You now have a clear idea of the risks of high humidity and ideal RH levels for various spaces. However, you’re now likely wondering what you need to do to prevent these risks from occurring in your business.
Fortunately, there is a reliable tactic you can use that has proven to be successful at mitigating moisture.
Dehumidification is the ideal way to maintain a preferable humidity level and avoid all the risks we mentioned above. The best dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air and can keep relative humidity levels in a set range. These systems can also allow you to adjust and continually monitor the moisture levels to ensure they remain at an acceptable level.
Amazingly, by removing moisture from the air, dehumidification reduces the risks of high humidity. Ultimately, these machines make for a clean living environment, free of mold, mildew, condensation, and the other negative outcomes that humidity can bring.
Get the Best Dehumidification System You Can Find
Are you concerned about high humidity in your commercial or industrial space? If so, you must take action to maintain air quality, prevent mold, and avoid the many other dangers of high humidity. As we just noted, the best way to achieve that goal is by installing and operating a high-quality dehumidification system.
However, not all dehumidifiers are of equal quality. Instead, some suppliers provide dehumidification systems that can greatly outperform the competition. If you are looking for an industry-leading dehumidification solution that you can trust over the long term, Bry-Air is the right choice for you.
At Bry-Air, we have over 60 years of experience serving many different industries with the dehumidification systems they need most. We’re confident that we can provide the dehumidification that is perfect for your space. Contact us today to get the dehumidifier you need and avoid the risks of high humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should the humidity level for my business be?
The ideal humidity level for most areas is between 30% and 50%. This range helps maintain comfort while preventing mold growth and other moisture-related issues. However, depending on the area and what kinds of items are being kept nearby, you may need a higher or lower humidity level.
How can I measure the humidity level?
You can measure humidity levels using a hygrometer, a device specifically designed to measure relative humidity. Many modern thermostats also include built-in hygrometers as well.
What are the signs of high humidity?
Signs of high humidity include condensation on windows, musty odors, visible mold growth, and feeling clammy or sticky even when the temperature is not particularly high.
Can high humidity affect my health?
Yes, high humidity can affect your health. It can exacerbate respiratory issues, promote the growth of allergens like mold and dust mites, and make it harder for your body to cool itself through sweating.
How can I reduce humidity without a dehumidifier?
While a dehumidifier is the most effective solution, you can also reduce humidity by improving ventilation, using exhaust fans, fixing any leaks, and ensuring proper drainage around your building’s foundation.
Does air conditioning reduce humidity?
Yes, air conditioning systems do remove some moisture from the air as they cool it. However, in very humid climates or during particularly humid seasons, an air conditioner alone may not be sufficient to maintain optimal humidity levels.
