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What is relative humidity and why is it important?

Quest Climate

what-is-relative-humidity

When it comes to storing, well – pretty much anything – relative humidity can cause damage to everything from food to furniture. It also can create health problems for workers.  

But what exactly is relative humidity? And why is it important to your business? Let’s break down the basics so you can see why proper humidity control is so significant in your facility. 

Relative humidity. Defined. 

Relative Humidity, or RH as the kids call it, is defined as “a ratio, expressed in percent, of the amount of atmospheric moisture present relative to the amount that would be present if the air were saturated, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

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So what’s that mean in simple terms?  

What industries doesRH affect? 

Relative humidity matters in a variety of industries for many reasons. So, let’s take a look at how it can affect businesses in several settings. 

what-is-relative-humidity

Cold-storage facilities 

Humidity and temperature must be exact in a cold-storage facility to ensure items are preserved appropriately.  

Whether storing food or chemicals, keeping consistent humidity levels is key to preventing ice buildup and damage to equipment and stored goods. Keeping control of humidity in this setting is difficult for multiple reasons but largely because items are often stored in cardboard and paper packaging, two materials moisture loves. 

Food-processing plants 

From ruining ingredients to creating frost build up that slows production, high humidity is an unwelcomed guest at food-processing facilities. Also, humidity issues can create condensation, which leads to slick floors. The result: Potentially injured workers which impacts productivity. 

Climate-controlled storage facilities 

In a storage facility, ensuring stored items aren’t ruined is basically the name of the game. High relative humidity foster mold and mildew growth, which damages documents, boxes, wood furniture and upholstery.  

Why is Relative Humidity Important? 

Not to oversimplify but the reason is fundamental: maintaining correct relative humidity is the most significant step you can take to ensure mold, mildew, condensation, and ice don’t interfere with your everyday business.  

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Unfortunately, a lot of humidity myths and inaccurate information has led to a lack of overall understanding of the issue. That leads to the use of inefficient and ineffective practices. 

For example: Using an air conditioner to lower humidity is inefficient and usually doesn’t do the trick. It’s like asking a dermatologist to do heart surgery. Yes, they both work with the human body (air, in our case), but they don’t handle the same types of problems. 

Want to learn more about how dehumidifiers improve your facility’s performance, efficiency, and safety? Check out Quest’s blog.