Book advises on cost-effective humidity control. (Products and Services).Numerous studies have illustrated the damage caused by humidity and moisture. One such study, by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, shows that more than $68 million is spent annually by association members to mitigate problems caused by mold and mildew. As concern grows over moisture damage in commercial buildings, members of building teams need practical advice to minimize the costs and maximize the benefits of controlling humidity. The Humidity Control Humidity control Regulation of the degree of saturation (relative humidity) or quantity (absolute humidity) of water vapor in a mixture of air and water vapor. Humidity is commonly mistaken as a quality of air. Design Guide for Commercial and Institutional Buildings, published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating re·frig·er·ate tr.v. re·frig·er·at·ed, re·frig·er·at·ing, re·frig·er·ates 1. To cool or chill (a substance). 2. To preserve (food) by chilling. and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers ), provides such guidance. The book gives specific humidity-control issues such as * installing a separate ventilation system ventilation system Public health An air system designed to maintain negative pressure and exhaust air properly, to minimize the spread of TB and other respiratory pathogens in a health care facility to dry or humidify the incoming ventilation air; * calculating the moisture load separately from the sensible heat Sensible heat is potential energy in the form of thermal energy or heat. The thermal body must have a temperature higher than its surroundings, (also see: latent heat). The thermal energy can be transported via conduction, convection, radiation or by a combination thereof. load; * sealing all ductwork duct·work n. A group or system of ducts: installed new ductwork in the building. , air handlers, and duct connections tightly; * not oversizing the cooling equipment; and * calibrating humidity sensors in place (after installation and before commissioning). Sections of the book also cover humidity effects, system design, equipment and controls, applications, and design references. Guidance is provided for schools, office buildings, retail buildings, hotels, restaurants, museums, libraries and archives, hospitals, elder-care buildings, dormitories, swimming pools, ice rinks, dry air storage, and laboratories. The Humidity Control Design Guide costs $120 ($78 special introductory price for ASHRAE members). Circle #29 on Reader Service Card |
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