Low RH Can Cause Dryness and Static Electricity

What is the best measure of moisture?

Relative humidity (RH) is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage. When RH is low, the air is dry. This can cause problems such as dryness and static electricity.

What causes low RH?

Low RH can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Cold weather
Air conditioning
Heating systems
Low outdoor humidity

What are the effects of low RH?

Low RH can cause a number of problems, including:

Dryness of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes
Static electricity
Increased risk of respiratory problems
Damage to wood furniture and other objects

How to prevent low RH

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent low RH, including:

Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
Opening windows and doors to let in fresh air
Taking shorter showers or baths
Drying clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area

Water Damage

Low RH can also increase the risk of water damage. When RH is low, the air is able to absorb more moisture. This can cause moisture to be drawn out of wood and other materials, which can lead to cracking, warping, and other damage.

To prevent water damage, it is important to maintain a relative humidity of between 30% and 50%. This can be done by using a humidifier, opening windows and doors, and taking other measures to add moisture to the air.