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Air humidity in the apartment: how it is measured at home. Air humidity in the apartment: how to measure and tips on how to change

The question of how to make a device for measuring air humidity has interested physicists from time immemorial. At one time, this problem also worried weather forecasters. Today even for ordinary people It is equally important to have information about the level of humidity indoors where you live, work and simply spend a lot of time.

How does air humidity affect your health?

The body of an adult, mature person consists of almost 70% water, and the body of a small child is even more, about 90%. According to experts, a person should consume at least 2 liters of ordinary water per day, which helps maintain the basic functioning of the body.

Prolonged exposure to a dry environment leads to loss of moisture from the skin and, as a result, rapid aging. The human lungs release air whose humidity is about 100%. If too dry air is inhaled, it is moistened in the body due to internal fluids. Prolonged exposure to such conditions necessarily causes drying of the mucous membranes. This is where the feeling of dry mouth, dry lips, nasal congestion, the occurrence of periodic small coughs, wheezing and snoring during sleep comes from.

Equipment for measuring air humidity

Exists whole line both specialized and improvised instruments for measuring indoor air humidity levels. Among the most common special devices Psychrometers and hygrometers should be distinguished. Such devices serve a single purpose, but their operation is fundamentally based great friend from each other principles.

If we talk about improvised methods for measuring humidity, then we can note the possibility of using an ordinary glass of water or a standard thermometer, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Hygrometers

A hygrometer is a device for measuring air humidity, the operating principle of which makes it possible to identify how changes in humidity indicators affect individual bodies and matters. As a shining example You can note the hair hygrometer, where defatted human hair acts as a measuring medium. By changing its own length, based on changes in humidity, the hair allows you to obtain data on the required indicator in the range from 30 to 100%.

Film-type hygrometers have also become widespread. Such a device for measuring air humidity contains an element in the form of an organic film that is extremely sensitive to moisture levels. There are also a number of other, more highly accurate hygrometers. However, their use in domestic conditions may be too expensive.

Psychrometers

Enough wide use in everyday life I received a psychrometric method for calculating humidity indicators. If a hygrometric device for measuring air humidity usually shows deviations of about 5% in both directions, then in the case of psychrometers there are no such errors.

The simplest psychrometers have two sensors - dry and wet. While the evaporation of water cools the wet sensor, the dry element of the psychrometer records changes in ambient temperature. The result of measurements based on this principle is the formation of the necessary indicators in a special microprocessor device.

Thus, it is easy to understand that a psychrometer is a device for determining air humidity, where the main role is played by recording the temperature difference between dry and wet sensors.

Measuring air humidity without using equipment

There is a fairly simple way by which you can obtain fairly objective data on the level of humidity in a room. Moreover, all you need to do is have an ordinary glass glass of water.

To measure humidity, you need to fill the glass cold water, then place the container in the refrigerator for several hours until the water cools to a temperature of about 5 o C. Having placed the glass in the room where you need to find out the humidity level, you should observe the surface of the glass, paying attention to the following:

  • if the walls of the glass first fog up and then dry quickly within a few minutes, then the air in the room is dry;
  • the persistence of the effect of fogging the walls after 5-10 minutes after the start of observations indicates average air humidity;
  • the appearance of flowing streams on the walls of the glass indicates high humidity.

Measuring humidity with a thermometer

A fairly effective device for measuring air humidity is a regular thermometer. Using a thermometer for this purpose is a kind of copying of the principle of operation of psychrometers.

To begin with, using a standard mercury thermometer, the air temperature in the room is recorded, and then its head is tightly wrapped with damp gauze or a piece of wet cotton wool. After 10 minutes, new temperature readings are noted.

To find out the percentage of humidity, the wet-bulb temperature is subtracted from the dry-bulb temperature data.

Maintaining humidity balance in practice

Theoretical knowledge about indoor humidity measurement is important. However, for those who are faced with the need to maintain a “healthy” balance of dryness and humidity in the air space, practice is still required.

To control humidity conditions in own home, it is enough to purchase an effective device for measuring indoor air humidity. Now this task is not a problem. Most popular in last years are electronic devices for calculating humidity with external and internal sensors. The external sensor is placed outside the window, while the device body remains inside. This allows you to obtain objective data on humidity indicators both indoors and outdoors.

If you wish, you can spend money on purchasing a psychrometer or hygrometer. However, this option cannot be called too economical. The cost of a particular device here will largely depend on the accuracy of the indicators and the available measurement ranges.

As a result, the most effective may be the purchase of a special air humidifier, which, in addition to its main task, is capable of recording the necessary indicators in the room.

The well-being and health of its owners depends on the state of the microclimate in the apartment. The level of humidity is one of the main indicators characterizing the parameters of the air that people in the room breathe. Therefore, it must be periodically monitored. This indicator must remain at the level established by sanitary and hygienic standards.

Therefore, the residents of the house are faced with the question: how to determine in an apartment. For this purpose they use various ways. Even without special instruments, anyone can measure the humidity level in a room. Existing methods will be discussed in detail below.

Why humidity?

When studying the question, it is necessary to consider first of all what this indicator affects. This will allow you to assess the importance of carrying out such a procedure.

The indoor air humidity should not be higher or lower than the specified range. While indoors, a person may not immediately notice that the surrounding conditions do not meet the requirements of sanitary and hygienic standards. But over time, such violations can affect the health of the owners.

Because of high humidity asthma and allergies develop. A reduced value of this indicator leads to disorders of the mucous membranes, decreased immunity, and skin aging. Children are especially sensitive to unfavorable living conditions. Therefore, parents are simply obliged to monitor the level of humidity in their apartment.

Permissible value

Studying the question How can you determine the air humidity in an apartment?, acceptable values ​​of this indicator should be considered. It should be noted that humidity is measured as a percentage. This is a fraction of the primary mass volume of moisture.

Experts say that the optimal value for the room is 45%. In this case, its deviation in both directions is allowed. Thus, the humidity in the apartment should not fall outside the range of 30 to 60%.

There are standards that determine air parameters depending on the purpose of the room. In a living room or dining room the range is 45-60%, and for an adult bedroom it is 40-50%. In the children's room the humidity should be higher. Normally it is at the level of 45-60%.

But for a library or office it is important to maintain this figure at the level of 30-40%. This will protect documents and books from premature destruction. In a kitchen or bathroom, humidity can range from 40 to 60%.

Effects of high humidity

Delving deeper into the topic, how to determine air humidity in an apartment, you should clearly understand the consequences of deviation of this indicator in both one and the other direction. Inconsistencies are a warning sign.

The first sign in an apartment is condensation on the windows. At the same time, all things and furniture in the room are exposed to dampness. Then a specific musty smell appears, and fungus begins to develop in the corners and on interior items. Mold is an unsafe neighbor for humans. It causes serious deviations in well-being and causes a number of ailments.

The consequences of high humidity can be allergies or even asthma, decreased function immune system. Diathesis sometimes occurs in children. Headaches and diseases of the cardiovascular system are also a consequence of an unsuitable microclimate. Bronchitis and otitis media also develop in similar conditions. Cancer cells At high humidity they also develop faster.

Effects of dry air

From the above it follows that everyone should understand how to find out the air humidity in an apartment. A low value of this indicator is also dangerous. This situation occurs especially often during the hot season.

First of all, all dust, wool and other particles begin to freely rise and move with air masses. They do not settle on interior items and freely enter the human body.

Moisture from the skin begins to evaporate rapidly. This causes the body to quickly cool down. Also, the mucous membranes of the body begin to dry out. The protection of organs from harmful microorganisms is reduced. Fatigue and drowsiness appear.

Dry air has a particularly negative effect on children's bodies. Such an indoor microclimate leads to kidney problems and also contributes to the development of dysbacteriosis. Moreover, even an adult organism is susceptible to such effects.

Hygrometer

A hygrometer is the most reliable device for measuring indoor humidity. Its error should not be more than 1%. Multifunctional devices are on sale that also display room temperature, pressure, etc.

However, many owners are interested in the question, how to determine air humidity in an apartment without a hygrometer. After all, this device is not always at hand. Buying a hygrometer is still worth it over time. But other methods can be used to assess indoor air humidity. This will make it possible to quickly take action to eliminate serious deviations.

Measuring humidity with a thermometer

One way to measure indoor humidity without a hygrometer is to use a thermometer. This is a simple procedure. How to determine the air humidity in an apartment using a thermometer should be considered in more detail.

There is a certain procedure. You will need a regular mercury thermometer. With its help, you must first measure the temperature environment. It is better to write down the readings so as not to forget.

Next, wrap the thermometer nose with damp gauze or cotton wool. After 10 minutes, the device readings should also be recorded. The second value is subtracted from the first indicator. Next, using Assmann's psychometric table, you need to find the level of humidity in the room.

Glass of water

One more in a simple way is the technique with a glass of water. This approach is not very accurate, but it will help determine significant deviations in the microclimate of the room. , discussed below.

There will always be the necessary items for research in the house. The glass glass must be filled with cold water. The contents should have a temperature of 3-5 °C. The glass must be placed in the room. There should be no heating devices nearby.

If the walls of the glass fog up, but after 10 minutes. dried out, the humidity level in the room is very low. If, after this period of time, drops of the fogged glass flow from its surface, the indicator is very high. If the humidity is within permissible norm, condensation does not collect in drops and does not flow off the glass.

Solution

Having considered how to determine air humidity in an apartment without instruments, you should learn methods of dealing with microclimate non-compliance with standards. When the indicator value is low, special humidifiers are used. They are presented in a wide range on sale. You can also place a damp towel or container of water on the battery. Attention should also be paid to diluting sufficient quantities indoor plants.

If the humidity is high, you can purchase special devices. They are using various methods remove excess water from the air. Experts also advise regular ventilation. This must be done even in rainy weather. Some rooms may require installation of a hood.

Having become familiar with the methods, how to determine air humidity in an apartment, you can quickly and accurately assess the state of the indoor microclimate. This will allow you to take appropriate measures in a timely manner and return the indicator to within the standards. The health and well-being of people living in a house or apartment depends on this. Therefore, special attention should be paid to moisture measurement issues.

Our health and well-being directly depend on the microclimate in the apartment. Often allergic and respiratory diseases. Therefore, if you want to avoid many ailments, make sure that there are always favorable conditions in the room. But to maintain them, you need to know how air humidity is measured and how to correctly adjust it.


Optimal values

High humidity in an apartment can be determined even without special devices. Its heralds are mold in the corners and decreased immunity in residents. Everyone suffers from low humidity: not only people, but also surrounding objects. It has a negative impact on wooden furniture which begins to dry out and crack. People experience problems such as irritation of the respiratory system and the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose.

To ensure that the microclimate in a residential area is always favorable, it is necessary to regularly measure air humidity and adjust them depending on the result. The humidity in the apartment is determined as a percentage. At the same time, each living room has its own norm. For example, in the living room and children's room it should be 50-60%, in the bedroom - 45-50%, in the bathroom and kitchen - no more than 60%.

The results are influenced by such indicators as the time of year, region of residence and the power of heating radiators. It should also be taken into account that there are 2 types of humidity: relative and absolute. Relative indicators are used in everyday life. To determine them, you should use special instruments.

Types of devices

To measure humidity it is practiced different ways. But with the help of measuring instruments, the indicators are more accurate. The most commonly used devices in everyday life are a hygrometer and a psychometer.

The operating principle of a hygrometer is based on recording the concentration of water molecules in the surrounding air. You can find it on sale different types similar devices. They differ in type, design and purpose. According to the principle of the device, there are weight, hair, condenser and psychometric hygrometers.

The weight option determines the amount of water vapor (in grams) per 1 cubic meter. m. The principle of psychometric operation is to measure the difference between the readings of dry and wet thermometers. The hair hygrometer is based on human hair, which is shortened or lengthened depending on the relative humidity air. The condenser type is based on the technology of cooling the air to the “dew point” and the formation of water vapor. Typically, psychometric or hair hygrometers are used in apartments. They are easier than others to use, reliable and accurate.

There are psychometric, hair, weight and condenser hygrometers.

Air humidity is often measured with a psychometer. This device resembles a thermometer consisting of two scales. The surface always remains dry first. The second part of the thermometer is wrapped in a damp cloth. Due to the evaporation of moisture, the indicators on this scale are lower than on the dry scale. The less moisture in the surrounding air, the more intense evaporation occurs. The difference between the dry and wet scale will indicate the level of air humidity. To calculate it, you need to use a special table.

Measuring humidity using traditional methods

If you do not have the opportunity to purchase a special device, then you can measure air humidity using folk devices. For these purposes, use a regular glass glass filled with water. Place it in the refrigerator and cool to +3 ... +5 °C. After this, place the cooled glass away from heating appliances and observe it for 5–10 minutes.

If during this time the condensation on the glass dries completely, it means that the air in the room is very dry. Excessive humidity can be determined by large drops that form on the surface and flow down in streams. If the condensation has not dried or flowed after the specified time, the humidity in the room is within normal limits.

Air humidity is often measured with a conventional mercury thermometer. This process is quite labor-intensive and takes place in 2 stages. First measure the room temperature in the usual way and record the result. Then wrap the thermometer head with wet cotton wool or gauze and leave for 8–10 minutes. Record the temperature again. Now use a special table to determine the difference between the two numbers.

Ways to increase humidity

If you do not want unnecessary health problems, pay attention to the level of humidity in the apartment. If necessary, be sure to take measures to regulate it.

Don't forget to ventilate the room. However, keep in mind that this method does not always give the desired result. For example, in summer the air outside is often dry, so ventilation will not help. significant role to increase humidity.

Do it periodically wet cleaning. Ideally, it should be done 2 times a day: morning and evening.

If possible, install an aquarium in your apartment. Just don’t forget to add evaporating water to it.

Place containers of water throughout the apartment. It is best to place them on window sills or near heating radiators.

Increase the number of indoor plants. This way you can not only regulate air humidity, but also monitor it without unnecessary devices. If you notice yellowed and shriveled leaves in your pots, take immediate steps to increase the humidity levels.

Buy a household humidifier for your home. It will perfectly cope with dryness, significantly improve the microclimate in the house, have a beneficial effect on the skin, preventing its aging, and relieve the occurrence of respiratory diseases.

Now you know different ways to measure air humidity in an apartment. Which one to use is up to you. However, remember that special measuring instruments are more accurate and easier to use.

Indoor air humidity affects not only the condition of furniture, floors and walls - first of all, our health and well-being directly depend on it.

In addition to the usual state of comfort, indoor air humidity significantly affects the presence of certain diseases.

Excessive humidity can cause allergic rhinitis, asthma and rhinitis.

In dry air, the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity dries out, due to which symptoms of sinusitis may appear, creating an “ideal” environment for exacerbations of sinusitis.

Insufficient humidity is a sure way to weakened immunity, increased fatigue, a feeling of “sand” in the eyes and rapid aging of the skin. Children are very sensitive to changes in humidity levels, and newborns are the most sensitive. Their sensitivity is the most high level Therefore, you should be very careful about the level of humidity in the children's room.

Dryness of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract in children contributes to the development of infections, allergies, and can cause a runny nose with blood in a child, and if a runny nose already exists, its treatment will simply be ineffective.

Indoor air humidity depends on weather and climatic conditions, time of year, availability and operation household appliances and human life processes: washing, bathing, drying, ironing, and so on.

The most critical situation appears to be in heating season. Frosty air contains little moisture, so ventilation alone cannot achieve optimal humidity air in the apartment.

With constantly running central heating and heaters, the air dries out even more; during this period, the level of air humidity in the room can drop to 20-25%, while the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx critically perceives the figure as 35%, and in children - 50%. In summer, the air in the room and in the car is significantly dried by a running air conditioner.

How is humidity measured and what is its norm in a residential area? The unit of measurement for humidity is percent (%), which shows the proportion of the original mass or volumetric humidity.

What percentage of air humidity should be normal? It is generally accepted that the optimal air humidity in an apartment is 45%, while the established norm ranges from 30% to 60% depending on the purpose of the room:

  • dining room / living room - 40-60%;
  • adult bedroom — 40-50%;
  • children's room - 45-60%;
  • office / library - 30-40%;
  • kitchen / bathroom - 40-60%.

It is very difficult to maintain these indicators, in most cases modern apartments and homes for most of the year, the air humidity is low, which leads to a decrease in performance and causes a feeling of drowsiness even in absolutely healthy person. Those who wear contact lenses suffer especially: the mucous membrane of the eye also noticeably dries out.

It is worth noting

Dry air helps cool the body, as moisture evaporates from the skin, which cools the body.

Accumulates in excessively dry air static electricity and household dust rises easily. Its suspended microparticles calmly settle in an environment with normal humidity, which leads to various kinds everyday problems.

Particular attention should be paid to achieving the normal air humidity in an apartment where there is a child or newborn. To achieve normal, and therefore comfortable, levels, you must have a humidifier at home.

In order to achieve optimal air humidity in an apartment for a person, one should, firstly, monitor this indicator, and, secondly, take all possible measures to humidify or dry the atmosphere in living and working areas.

Methods of air humidification, monitoring and measuring humidity levels at home

We discussed above what air humidity is considered normal for an apartment as a whole and for each room in particular. If indicators deviate from the norm, then there must be ways to stabilize them, we will talk about them in this section.

During cold winters, your heating system can make the air in your home too dry, making it uncomfortable for you.

It can also cause cracks in woodwork and drywall.

To improve the moisture content of the air, you can install a humidifier in the room you spend the most time in or throughout your home.

During the summer, when the room is not heated, depending on the climate in your area, there may be either too much or too little moisture in the house.

The following measures are required to control humidity.

  • Ventilate the room regularly. However, despite its simplicity, this method is not the most effective. In summer, the air is not very saturated with moisture, and ventilation does not help to humidify the air. But in winter, opening the windows for 5-10 minutes will allow you to achieve a comfortable level of humidity for a person. The wider the windows are open, the faster the room will be ventilated; in addition, during this time the air will have time to renew itself with minimal heat loss, unlike a window left open in the room for a long time.
  • Increase the number of indoor plants, which have a beneficial effect on air humidification, and are also a kind of natural “device” that can be used to measure air humidity: wrinkled and dried leaves are an indicator of a dry atmosphere. Plants perfectly ionize the air, and some of them, in addition to moisture, are capable of releasing organic matter, cleaning and disinfecting the space.
  • Availability of an aquarium in the room also helps maintain normal humidity levels, you just need to regularly add evaporating water.
  • Do wet cleaning, ideal - morning and evening.
  • Place vessels with water in the apartment, it is best to do this on window sills, near central heating radiators.

Evaporating water is good remedy air humidification. Unfortunately, this is far from hygienic and, in most cases, not at all aesthetic.

How to determine the air humidity in an apartment yourself, to understand whether there is a need to dehumidify or humidify the air? You should systematically monitor the microclimate and humidity level of your home.

How to measure air humidity at home:

Basically, for these purposes, a special device is used to measure indoor air humidity - a hygrometer. Today there are several types of hygrometers based on different principles actions. They may look like small wall or a table clock, have a mechanical or electronic display, can be combined with thermometers to measure room temperature. For a hygrometer, the accuracy of the readings is primarily important. The maximum deviation in measurements should not exceed 1%; today's electronic hygrometers are quite accurate, but the device must be installed away from drafts.

In the absence of a special device that measures air humidity, you can find out this indicator using a simple glass beaker and water. To do this you need to put in a glass cold water and put in the refrigerator until the temperature of the water in the container cools down to 3-5°C.

Place the cooled glass in a room away from a heating source and observe:

  • if the condensation has completely dried after 5-10 minutes, the air in the room is very dry;
  • if after 5-10 minutes condensation has collected in large drops on the walls of the glass and flows off them in streams, the air in the room is excessively humid;
  • normal humidity in the room if after 5-10 minutes the condensation has not dried, but has not flowed either.

Thus, the glass and water turn into a DIY hygrometer.

Regular mercury thermometer- this is what else is used to measure air humidity at home without a hygrometer, but this process is quite labor-intensive.

It is done in 2 stages:

  • The temperature in the room is measured and the thermometer readings are recorded.
  • The thermometer head is carefully wrapped in wet cotton wool or gauze, left for 10 minutes, then the temperature is measured again.
  • Find the difference between “dry” and “wet” temperatures and use a special table to determine the air humidity in the room.

The easiest way to humidify the air today is to purchase a special device, some of which are additionally equipped with a humidity meter.

Types of humidifiers for the home, an air conditioner with an air purification and humidification system as a more powerful and advanced device

Maintaining a dry-moisture balance in your home with a home humidifier is important for your well-being, and while reducing moisture levels can be beneficial, too much humidity poses a risk to your health.

Below is full list tasks that a special humidifier can handle:

  • leads to the “golden mean” relative humidity in the premises;
  • eliminates electrostatic charges;
  • contribute to the creation favorable microclimate in an apartment, house;
  • prevent the development of respiratory tract diseases;
  • have a beneficial effect on the skin, preventing its aging process.

You can buy a humidifier for your home at any store. household appliances or online store.

They come in several types:

  • Cold steam humidifiers or traditional ones: humidification occurs due to the evaporation of cold water, which is poured into the tank, from where a fan drives it through special filters. The water for such a humidifier must be well purified, or better yet, distilled, since otherwise the filter quickly becomes clogged and fails. The main advantage of the traditional model is that, depending on the level of humidity in the room, the device can independently regulate the rate of water evaporation.
  • Steam humidifiers: they humidify the air due to steam evaporation, the steam temperature is 50-60 ° C, if the water boils away completely, the device turns off automatically. Such humidifiers are not recommended for children or house plants.
  • Ultrasonic humidifier for home- today this is the most popular and advanced model. In addition to the fact that such a humidifier is suitable for any type of room, it is very effective, silent, compact and safe, and also consumes little electricity. However, its use requires demineralization of water, for which special cartridges with ion-exchange resin are used, or only distilled water is poured into them. If these measures are not taken, after drying, tiny droplets of water with salts dissolved in it may form on furniture and other surfaces. white coating. Operating principle ultrasonic humidifier for the home is based on the vibration of a membrane, upon contact with which water is sprayed.
  • Air washer: combines the functions of humidification and air purification. The operating principle of such a device can be compared to a vacuum cleaner that performs wet-mechanical air purification. Inside the device there is an ionizing silver rod that purifies the air from dust, pollen and other allergenic particles. It is easy to use. For all its advantages, it has a significant drawback: air humidification can be increased to no more than 60%.

It is important to know

The humidifier must be designed for the size of the room. Otherwise, you may add too much moisture to the air.

Humidifier with control adjustable humidity Helps with moisture balance. Most humidifiers have a recommended room size on their packaging. So before purchasing a humidifier, take a quick measurement of your room.

An air conditioner with humidification and air purification is a kind of “climate control” for an apartment, capable of bringing all the main “air” indicators to ideal: temperature, degree of air purity and humidity.

Such a system condenses moisture from the street atmospheric air and directs it into the room, so there is no need to constantly add water to the device, which must also be purified.

The high intensity of this air conditioner allows you to quickly and evenly humidify the indoor air. large area, incoming outside air passes through two cleaning blocks. Powerful ventilation system, built into air conditioners with humidification and air purification, contributes to the constant renewal of the atmosphere in the room.

The only one negative side Such models of air conditioners are their high price. However, today it is the best remedy to normalize the climate in any home.

As a result, in order to control the air humidity in a room, you need not only to take into account its size, but also set clear goals for yourself: you need to create a comfortable atmosphere in the house or prevent the development of diseases and allergies in your baby. As we see, modern technologies easily ready to cope with any problem.

From this article you can find out what a device for measuring air humidity should be like. The text discusses the main types of devices designed to control climate by measuring water vapor in the air. Described here existing types devices, their technical and operational features, rules of use.

Humidity affects the condition of furnishings, household appliances and human well-being. The presence of water vapor in a certain amount in the air depends on the following factors: technogenic impact, climatic features of the region, the state of communications and buildings in general, as well as operational conditions of the premises.

The humidity standard for a healthy person is considered to be 40-60%. To create optimal conditions, special devices are used. Depending on the needs, these can be dehumidifiers or humidifiers. Air humidity meters are used to coordinate the operation of these devices.

Note! There are air conditioning systems with an automated moisture level control function. This type of equipment independently measures air parameters and adjusts them to the norm.

How is air humidity measured in residential premises?

You can measure the amount of water vapor at home using available means, for example, a fir cone, whose scales open if the room is dry, or monitor the state of condensation by first cooling a container of water.

The method, which involves the use of a container, is based on how condensation behaves on cooled surfaces and at what speed it evaporates. A medium located in a closed space, subject to balanced processes of condensation and evaporation, is in a state of saturated vapor. If the amount of moisture in saturated steam is close to the concentration of water vapor in the air of the room, then the evaporation process will be difficult. This will indicate the presence of excessive moisture in the room.

How to measure air humidity in an apartment using a glass:

  1. Fill a glass container with water. Not only a glass, but also a bottle or jar is suitable for these purposes.
  2. Place the container in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
  3. After this, take out a glass and measure the temperature of the water. This indicator should not exceed 50°C.
  4. The control vessel should be placed in the room, away from heating appliances.

Note! It is imperative to note the time to observe the behavior of the condensate. This will take from 5 to 10 minutes.

If the condensation accumulated on the walls dries within the indicated time, it means the room is dry. Wet glass indicates that there is something in the room optimal conditions with a sufficient level of humidity. If the drops of condensate are large and flow down the walls of the vessel in streams, this indicates increased amount water vapor in the room.

What instruments are used to measure air humidity?

More accurate data can be obtained using special devices. There are several types of devices available for these purposes. The most primitive instruments that measure indoor air humidity are called hygrometers.

  • ceramic;
  • electronic;
  • weight;
  • electrolytic;

  • condensation;
  • hair;
  • film

Each type of listed devices operates due to a certain operating principle, for example, design feature The hair device is the presence of U-shaped tubes. The condensation hygrometer is considered the most accurate. It takes measurements with minimal error.

  • station;
  • remote;
  • aspiration.

The station version of the device is the most popular of them. Its design includes a pair of thermometers mounted on a tripod. A dry thermometer shows the air temperature in the room; a wet thermometer is wrapped in a cloth, one end of which is lowered into a reservoir filled with liquid (water).

Note! Do not place the end of the wet bulb thermometer directly into the tank, otherwise it will display the water temperature and not air masses, circulating above it. There should be a distance of at least 30-40 mm between the end of the device and the container.

Classification of instruments for measuring relative air humidity (hygrometers)

The state of human health depends on a large number of factors. An important role in this is played by the cleanliness and humidity of the air. If there is not enough moisture in the room, the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract will dry out, as a result of which a person may develop diseases associated with the activity of harmful bacteria.

The simplest hygrometers involve the use of a table of relative air humidity; from the temperature indicated in it, you can get an idea of ​​the state of the microclimate at the current moment. More advanced models have a set of microcircuits that independently perform calculations and display the result electronically on the screen.

In addition to traditional designs, the offer modern market allows you to buy humidity meters with additional functionality. Such devices also display other data:

  • air temperature in the room;
  • current time and date;
  • atmospheric pressure level.

Note! Some types of devices are equipped with an indication system. It informs the owner if the microclimate of the room is outside the normal range. This feature allows you to notice the problem in a timely manner and fix it.

Features of hair room air humidity meter

This type of device is used to determine the humidity level within 30-80%. The design of the device consists of several elements:

  • metal frame in the form of a frame;
  • measuring scale (the step of each division corresponds to 1% humidity);
  • human hair (low-grease);
  • screw-adjustable pointer;
  • a pulley designed to allow the free end of a hair to be thrown over with a weight attached.

Hair hygrometer - a type measuring instrument, designed to determine air humidity, the principle of operation of which is based on the hygroscopicity of human hair, in other words, the ability to lengthen or shorten under the influence of moisture. When the humidity in the room decreases or increases, the hair tension weakens or, on the contrary, increases. As a result, the pulley turns and moves the arrow pointing to the scale. Due to this, it is possible to determine the exact indicator of ambient humidity.

The hair type hygrometer has a significant advantage over other devices. Its readings cannot be affected by air temperature, as is the case with electrolytic models. It does not require electricity to operate; the hygrometer operates through mechanical processes.

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What device measures air humidity in its absolute value?

In order to identify the current level of humidity in a room, you need to know two values: the relative humidity indicator and the absolute value. The percentage ratio between them is the desired parameter. Therefore, it would be useful to know the name of the device for measuring air humidity in its absolute value and the principle of its operation. A weighing hygrometer measures the amount of water vapor contained in one unit of air (1 m³).

The device includes several U-shaped tubes that form a system. Inside them there is a hygroscopic substance that absorbs moisture from air masses. A certain volume of air passes through the system, which is taken from one point. This design allows you to determine the mass of air at the inlet and outlet, as well as its volume. The absolute value is determined by mathematical calculations.

Interesting fact! The study of water vapor as one of the components of air began in the 16th century. The author of the first scientific work dedicated to this topic was J. Port. It was published in the 17th century. After heyday steam engines in the 19th-20th centuries. water vapor again interested scientists. After serious research in this area, the fourth international Conference, dedicated to its physical characteristics.

Characteristics of ceramic instruments for determining air humidity

Ceramic devices are a commonly used type of moisture meter; moisture meters of this type are simple and mechanical. The device is made of ceramic mass, which can be porous or solid. It contains metal elements. The ceramic mass has electrical resistance, and room humidity has a direct impact on the level of this resistance.

In order for the mechanical design of a room humidity meter to function properly, certain metal oxides must be included in the ceramic mass. Silicon, clay and kaolin are used as a base.

Features of condensation devices for measuring air humidity in an apartment

A condensation hygrometer makes it possible to obtain the most accurate indicators reflecting the climatic comfort of the room. It is for this reason that many consumers will choose to buy this type of indoor air humidity meter.

The design of the device consists of the following elements:

  • metal box;
  • thermometer;
  • rubber bulb;
  • heat-insulating gasket;
  • front wall;
  • ring.

The condenser type of humidity and temperature meter analyzes the amount of condensation that forms on the surface of the glass. On special mirror, which cools, a small beam of light is directed, as a result of which drops of water or ice crystals appear on the surface. Due to electronic thermometer built under the mirror, the temperature is determined. The device converts the received data into an indicator that displays the level of relative humidity.

Note! Consumers can select and buy a device for measuring air humidity of an improved modification. Such models are equipped with a display designed to display readings. The advantage of such devices lies in long-term stability. The devices are characterized long term service and increased range (the device covers from 0 to 100%).

Features of electronic temperature and humidity meters

The capabilities of an electronic device for measuring indoor air humidity allow you to measure changes in the concentration of the electrolyte that coats a material with electrical insulating properties. These materials include plastic and glass. Some device options have an automatic heating function. They measure the dew point.

In addition, temperature fluctuations are taken into account, since it can affect the operation of the device, albeit insignificantly, therefore the devices are equipped with thermometers to facilitate their operation.

Electronic modifications are precise in measurements, which mechanical designs cannot offer. The percentage of errors in their work is extremely low.

Consumers can buy air humidity meters that have different specifics works:

  1. Air conductivity measurement - devices determine the value absolute humidity. To calculate relative humidity, you need to measure the temperature.
  2. Optoelectronic measurements - devices measure dew point using a cooled mirror. It is frozen, after which a process of gradual heating occurs.
  3. Resistive measurements - the operation of the devices is based on the effect of changes in the conductivity of polymers or salts under the influence of humidity levels.
  4. Capacitance measurements - during operation, the unit monitors changes in the capacitance of the capacitor (polymer or metal oxide).

How to measure air humidity at home using a psychrometer

Psychrometers are designed to determine relative humidity. The device operates by physical properties liquid, in particular its ability to evaporate. This process creates a difference between the wet bulb and dry bulb temperature readings. During evaporation, the liquid loses some of its energy, causing a decrease in temperature. This change is detected by the thermometer.

The psychrometer design consists of a pair of alcohol or mercury psychrometers. As the liquid evaporates, the wet bulb thermometer cools. The lower the air humidity level, the faster the liquid evaporates. In turn, the drier the air, the lower the temperature indicator displayed by wet thermometers. Due to this, there is a difference between the readings.

Note! Regardless of the device used to measure air humidity, it should not be installed near radiators or air conditioners, otherwise the measurements will be inaccurate. In addition, you need to monitor the condition of the material for moisture. It should be clean and wet.

Some psychrometric hygrometers require specific temperature conditions. For example, the lowest permissible value for winter is -15°C, for summer the maximum high border temperature is 40°C. The measurement range depends on the temperature, the air humidity table with environmental indicators can be used as a guide.

Measuring range according to air humidity table:

Air temperature, ºСAcceptable range, %
from 20 to 23from 54 to 90
from 24 to 26from 40 to 90
from 27 to 40from 20 to 90

Air humidity level in a room: how to measure the amount of water vapor

The process of measuring humidity using a psychrometer is very simple. In addition to this value, the device also measures the temperature parameter. As a rule, along with alcohol thermometers mounted on a plastic base, the manufacturer places a psychrometric table of relative air humidity, which allows you to read the readings.

There is one important condition, ensuring accurate operation of the device. The psychrometer is extremely sensitive to drafts, so it is recommended to create conditions under which the speed of movement of air masses in the room should not be more than 1 m/sec, otherwise the difference in readings taken from thermometers will be much greater than in reality, which will lead to inaccurate result.

The psychrometric table of air humidity is used to interpret the psychrometer readings. The first column contains dry bulb temperature readings. The first line displays the difference that occurs during the measurement process between the readings of both thermometers. To get the actual level of relative humidity, you need to take the value that is formed at the intersection of the corresponding parameter from the first column and the first row.

The Assmann psychrometer is an improved modification of the device, which performs measurements more accurately and is not afraid of drafts, since its thermometers are protected from heat and direct contact sun rays thanks to the metal body.

Home weather stations for convenient microclimate control

To consumers paying increased attention To own health and those seeking to bring air parameters closer to optimal value, manufacturers climate control technology offer to buy an electronic hygrometer - a humidity and temperature meter and a barometer in one device. A design with similar functionality is capable of fully controlling the microclimate. However, the price of such devices is quite high.

Such devices not only have a large number of functions, but also have decorative design. They can optimally fit into almost any room interior. On sale you can also find unusual combinations, for example, baby monitors with a built-in hygrometer. These devices are optimized specifically for children's rooms. There are also models with Wi-Fi function. They connect to the World Wide Web and display weather forecasts and other data on the display.

A hygrometer will become an indispensable assistant in maintaining optimal climatic conditions in the house. Its readings help to adjust the operation of the humidifier or bring the level of water vapor in the air back to normal.

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