IAQ

Since it's the dead of Winter in Michigan (and its been pretty much raining most of it so far), and with Spring coming.... (maybe sooner than normal)......

Since its de-humidity season when it should have been the humidify season, I figured we might as well explore IAQ de-humidity style.

(There may also be good timing to this anyway, as we look forward to another record summer air conditioning style)

This is of course still an issue in the Southern states all winter long, and also in commercial and industrial settings.

When considering indoor air quality, on top of the list is humidity control.

Two main things to remember, sensible is the temperature (energy or heat) that can be measured with a thermometer, latent is the (energy or heat) tied up in humidity. It means hidden heat, and when it comes to condensing moisture from air, it takes lots of energy no matter which method is used.

Learn more about "Psychrometrics" here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychrometrics

Humidity out-of-control can result in structural damage, mold and mildew issues, and product loss or quality issues in manufacturing.

In the summer months especially, because of warmer outdoor temperatures, we concentrate our efforts on removing excess moisture.

The reason being warmer air holds more moisture than cool air, more moisture in the air can result in condensing on cool surfaces. You will see this in the interior of your refrigerator in humid climates, you will see outdoor hot humid air condense on the outside of windows in a COOL air conditioned house, you will see this inside your walls in the winter if interior moisture (from bathrooms and kitchens for example) gets into the wall and interacts with the cold drafts of winter.