In Deutch

Condensation and heating a home

Virtually all air contains a certain amount of water vapor. This vapor is a gas and can pass through many solids.

The amount of water vapor that the air contains is dependent upon the temperature of the air.

Warm air contains a great deal while cold air absorbs very little. When warm air comes in contact with a cold surface, the temperature of the air is immediately reduced and, consequently, it drops some of this water vapor in the form of moisture.

In old houses, with many openings, moisture can easily pass out with the air.

In well-constructed houses, there are few openings and the moisture cannot escape; accordingly, it remains as sweat on the walls and on the storm windows.

Warm moist air, passing around the inside window, condenses on the cold surface of the storm window. Excessive condensation of moisture can cause considerable damage to woodwork and decorations.

Reducing

It is almost impossible to eliminate all the moisture from the air, and unhealthy to reduce the moisture content of the air too much. Reduce condensation by keeping the temperature of all surfaces, such as walls and windows, as close to that of the room as possible, and avoid saturating the air in the house with moisture.

The temperature of the inside walls can be made to coincide more closely with that of the room by insulating between the inner and outer wall. Another method is to have a warm air circulating between the inner and outer wall, but this would cause loss of heat through the exterior wall. Good circulation throughout the house will reduce condensation, and this can be improved by installing flues over gas stoves and leaving the chimney throat open.

To prevent excessive moisture in the air, avoid hanging wet wash in the house and remove steam from kitchen or bathroom by forced draft.

Humidity

While many homeowners suffer with the problem of excessive moisture in the house during the winter, many others have just the opposite trouble-the air is too dry. Dry air is harmful in several respects. First of all, as far as the health of the family is concerned, medical authorities say that dry air in the home is the cause of many head colds.

Dry air will also tend to cause wood joints in the furniture to loosen. If the air is dry, it will require more heat to make persons comfortable than if the air contained the right amount of water.

Warm air furnaces are usually provided with a water pan and if this is kept full of water the air coming up through the registers will contain some water vapor.

Radiators may be equipped with special water pans which will help somewhat to increase the moisture content of the air. For other cases there are many different brands of humidifying devices made for the home. These are regulated so that they will keep the moisture content of the air just right for comfort and health.

Heating a home

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