Please Note:This website explains green building for a climate zone comparable to North Texas or Central Texas, such as the climate of Waco or Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. It is important to hire a green builder who is an expert in energy-efficient building in your climate zone.

Humidity Control in Green Building

Humidity in a Green Home 

 

Note: This website is for the climate zone that includes North Texas and Central Texas. Regardless of your climate zone, the first priority for green building or energy-efficient remodeling is to hire a green builder or architect who understands and uses up-to-date green building practices for your area.

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is measured in three ways: absolute humidity, relative humidity, and specific humidity. See glossary

Humidity is increased or decreased by several mechanisms:

1. Air pressure differences cause air to move from high to low pressure. Moving air can either bring water vapor with it OR take water vapor from the home.

2. Humidity comes from many indoor activities such things as cooking, washing dishes, bathing, and doing laundry. Even a human body increase the humidity in a home.

3. Drafts can also affect the amount of humidity present so humidity problems are fairly common in older or less energy-efficient homes. 

When the amount of water vapor is held constant, when you

1. Reduce the temperature, the relative humidity goes up.

2. Increase the temperature, the relative humidity goes down.

Ideal Humidity

Humans are very sensitive to humidity, as the skin relies on the air to get rid of moisture. The ideal humidity level for homes is 45%.

Low Humidity

An indoor humidity level of less than 30% is too dry.

You will know your home's humidity is too low if static electricity is shocking you. Skin irritation and respiratory problems are other signs of low humidity.

Low humidity dries out the noses and throats of the home's residents. It causes scratchy dry throat, increased allergy symptoms, more frequent colds/infections, and even cracked fingers.

It also affects the wood in the home, which shrinks often damaging trim, hardwood flooring, and even wood furniture.  Sheetrock and paneling may crack from low humidity.

A home's heating system will lower the humidity. 

High Humidity

However, the reverse is true with a more energy-efficient home and a tighter envelope. 

The lack of air exchange coupled with humans and their activities can cause high indoor humidity. 

Do you need a green builder or remodeler
 in North Central Texas 
or the Dallas-Fort Worth area? 
Contact Terry Jensen 
972 251-1532 or 817 545-0140

Green Homes in DFW

972 251-1532 or 
817 545-0140

Green Building

Are you looking for
 a green builder 
or a green remodeler
in Dallas-Fort Worth
 or North Central Texas 

Contact Terry Jensen 
972 251-1532 or 817 545-0140

 

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