What is the dew point?

The dew point indicates the temperature at which the natural water vapor in the air condenses. During the winter months, the dew point is lower than in the summer, and humidity in the home often increases. Consequence? You may find more (natural) condensation in your home. We list the pros and cons of relative humidity in the home.

What is the dew point?

The dew point is the temperature at which the natural water vapor in the air cools and then condenses. At that point, the air is completely saturated with water vapor. Consider the bathroom, for example: when you take a long, hot shower, at some point there is a lot of moisture in the room. When that moist air cools, your mirror and bathroom window fog up with condensation.

The dew point is not constant but varies according to space, humidity, air pressure and air temperature. It is expressed in degrees Celsius. The higher the dew point is, the less comfortable it feels for us as humans. Our bodies then have a harder time "condensing," or sweating, even when it is very warm. And since sweating is your body's way of naturally cooling down, you may find it uncomfortable or even oppressive.

Dew point and condensation

The more humid the air, the faster the dew point is reached. In addition, cold air becomes saturated with water vapor faster than warm air. The result? Moisture condenses faster during the fall and winter months. For example, you are more likely to see morning dew on the grass, on cobwebs, on your car, ...

How can you use the dew point? The dew point acts as a good indicator of underlying moisture problems in the home. Does condensation linger in the home for an extended period of time after showering or cooking? Then the dew point is the telltale sign of consistently excessive humidity in the home. Want to calculate the dew point yourself? Then you need two thermometers: an ordinary air thermometer and thermohygrometer. The dew point then is the difference between the temperature of the air and the wet bulb temperature, the lowest temperature a wet object reaches when the moisture evaporates.

Het dauwpunt meten geeft een indicatie of de condensatie in huis een natuurlijk verschijnsel is, of eerder het gevolg van een onderliggend vochtprobleem. Wil je uitsluitsel over de oorzaak bij jou in huis? Contacteer DryPlan voor een gratis vochtdiagnose.

Relative humidity in the home

Proper humidity in your home is important for your health, that of your pets and your plants. On average, the ideal humidity in the home is between 40% and 60%. Air that is too dry? Then you may suffer from respiratory and eye irritations, headaches and fatigue. Wood in the home will crack or crack. Too humid air in your home? Then you give mold and bacteria free rein, harming both your home and your health.

Hoe houd je de lucht in huis gezond vochtig? Vaak ligt gebrekkige ventilatie aan de basis van een te lage of te hoge luchtvochtigheid in huis. Je kan zelf vaker de woning verluchten door dagelijks je ramen open te zetten, of te investeren in een luchtbevochtiger of luchtontvochtiger. De impact van deze acties blijft wel beperkt. De meest betrouwbare langetermijnoplossing? Kiezen voor constante ventilatie!

Natural or mechanical ventilation, with or without heat recovery? Dry Plan will guide you through the range and advise you without obligation on ventilation tailored to your home and budget.