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.

Measuring the dew point gives an indication of whether condensation in the home is a natural phenomenon, or more likely the result of an underlying moisture problem. Want a definitive answer about the cause in your home? Contact DryPlan for a free moisture diagnosis.

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.

How do you keep the air in your home healthily humid? Often inadequate ventilation is at the root of low or high humidity in the home. You can ventilate your home more often yourself by opening your windows daily, or invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier. However, the impact of these actions remains limited. The most reliable long-term solution? Opting for constant ventilation!

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.