In the search for optimal indoor air quality, the role of Air Handling Units (AHUs) extends beyond just temperature regulation. A critical, yet often underused, aspect is their ability to manage humidity levels. This article explores humidity control within AHUs, highlighting its significance and the innovative solutions available to address common challenges.
Cooling coils in AHUs are the unsung heroes during the humid summer months, efficiently extracting excess moisture from air. This dehumidification process is vital for maintaining comfortable and healthy indoor environments during this period. However, the winter period presents a challenge. As the air is heated to comfortable living conditions, the relative humidity drops, leading to dry conditions. This can trigger various issues, from respiratory discomfort to static electricity. This contrast highlights the importance of incorporating humidity control in the initial design phase of AHUs, ensuring they are equipped to address both extremes.
The discovery of inadequate humidity levels in operational AHUs, whether newly installed or long-standing, is not a dead end. Tailored solutions, such as bespoke steam lances, can be introduced to mitigate these issues. Designed for compact spaces, steam lances provide precise humidity adjustments, preventing the common problem of ductwork dampness and ensuring that even the most constrained systems can achieve optimal humidity levels.
Improving Comfort and Health with Humidity
Maintaining the right humidity level is not just about comfort; it’s a health imperative. In environments such as hospitals and offices, where the spread of viruses can cause major issues, humidity levels between 40-60% are crucial. This range is scientifically proven to reduce the transmission of common colds and other diseases.
As we advance in our understanding of indoor air quality, the significance of humidity control within AHU systems cannot be overstated. By integrating smart design and innovative solutions, we can create environments that are not only comfortable but also conducive to health and well-being.
Humidification for the Office
Human beings spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, and approximately 1,791 hours a year in a work environment (or up to 1,899 if they’re allowed overtime). The safety and continued health of employees needs to be considered for an effective office, with many employers offering healthcare, anti-glare monitors and air conditioning, but very few offer air filtration. A blast of fresh air does little to help employees with the Air Quality Index and particle count is sky high. A controlled humidity level lowers fatigue, headaches and respiratory difficulties while discouraging pathogen growth.
Commercial Humidification
Commercial humidification is deployed in stores and customer facing environments, both to provide employees and customers a better climate, but also to prevent packaging and product deterioration right up to the point of sale. In shopping centres and supermarkets, areas that see high amounts of foot traffic, providing this environment is more than just a courtesy, it is a selling factor. In these applications, humidity control measures often works hand-in-hand with temperature control and air conditioning systems, lower energy consumption and increasing the effectiveness of each system.
Industrial Humidification
Many industrial processes are improved, or even reliant, on a controlled climate and specific humidity. From protecting of sensitive electronics from static electricity during production to the safe and sustained operation of spray rooms humidification handles what temperature alone can’t, promoting longer machine life, longer running cycles and sustained product quality from start to end.
For those seeking to optimise their AHU systems, Humidity Solutions provides the expertise and support needed to navigate the complexities of humidity control. We stock a range of competitively priced isothermal and adiabatic humidifiers which seamlessly integrate within air handling units.
If you would like to learn more about Humidity Solutions’ range of AHU products or services, get in touch by emailing info@humiditysolutions.co.uk or calling 01372 571 200 to speak to out team of specialists.
