Controlling humidity in the home with efficient mechanical ventilation systems

Humidity in the home is a problem that affects the building, the environment, and the health of its inhabitants. It occurs, especially in old constructions. What is the best method to combat it?

Humidity in the home: causes and effects on health

Generally, there are three main sources that promote the appearance of humidity in the home: climatic factors, errors in thermal insulation, and structural failures. Specifically, some of the most common causes are as follows:

• Porosity of materials: When this occurs, water enters through their ducts and causes humidity due to filtration or capillarity. Proper waterproofing prevents this mismatch.
• Plumbing problems: The breaking of a pipe always ends up causing problems in the affected walls.
• Cracks and fissures: It doesn't matter if they are small, they should be repaired as soon as possible.
• Condensation: It is a natural phenomenon caused by excess water vapor in the environment. Inadequate insulation, single-pane glass windows, and certain carpentries without thermal bridge breaking generate it.

What health problems does humidity in the air cause?

The set of diseases caused by humidity in the home is quite concerning. When levels rise above 65%, it is common for the following ailments to emerge or worsen:

• Infections and respiratory problems: Asthma, bronchitis, and other disorders arise or worsen.
• Headaches: Migraines, tension headaches, and other types of headaches are aggravated in these environments.
• Allergies: The worsening of allergic rhinitis is very common in areas with these characteristics.
• Rheumatism and bone ailments: These humid environments are not good if one suffers from osteoarthritis, arthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenias, and other bone disorders.

Mechanical ventilation systems controlled to avoid humidity in the home

The best solution to domestic humidity is controlled mechanical ventilation systems. Their presence actively combats them and provides fresh air to the environment. Furthermore, their technology allows for the elimination of escape zones, which are frequent when ventilating the room by opening windows.

These systems are increasingly common, even in ecological and sustainable homes, as it is the only real solution to the problem of humidity in the home. Thanks to them, the appropriate air is extracted and introduced according to the existing environment. They also have energy recovery and humidity level control detectors.

These systems work by means of temperature exchange between the managed air flows. Thus, both external and internal air are utilized to optimize the atmosphere of the house. This is achieved by recovering a very high percentage of the energy used for air conditioning.

The result is triply positive:

1. The air is renewed.
2. It is conditioned more naturally.
3. The maximum energy efficiency is obtained.

Probes, detectors, and meters

Among the different components of these systems, three stand out.

Probes

They are instruments for measuring and controlling the environment. Thanks to them, it is possible to evaluate the quality of the indoor air of the home.

Detectors

Through sensors, it is possible to measure environmental humidity and activate programmed measures.

Meters

They serve to accurately measure the airflow that allows balancing mechanical ventilation systems, as well as controlling environmental humidity.

The conclusion of this article is twofold. Firstly, humidity in the home poses a danger to buildings and the people who inhabit them. Secondly, controlled mechanical ventilation systems are the best solution. In other words, it is possible to control humidity levels with mechanical ventilation and it should be done as soon as possible.