If you have recently replaced an older furnace in your place of business with a new energy-efficient one, you may start noticing condensation on your windows, which indicates an increase in moisture in your building. Traditional gas furnaces do a great job of taking humidity out of the air inside your building because they vent the air used for combustion along with any moisture in the air to the outside. In fact, traditional furnaces dry the air inside so much that many homeowners or commercial property owners use a humidifier with them. According to experts in Commercial Heating Installation in Covina CA, the newer energy-efficient models don’t vent any air to the outside, so any moisture in the air stays inside your building. The following are some tips for controlling humidity in your place of business.
First of all, if you’re using a whole-building humidifier, you want to make sure it’s set very low in the winter if you use it at all. Cold air holds less moisture than hot air, so you’ll have less need of the humidifier. You’ll first notice excess humidity as window condensation, so use that as a sign to lower or stop using your humidifier. In addition, you may want to purchase a dehumidifier and use it during the hot season and in any areas that tend to collect moisture like bathrooms or the basement.
Another thing you can do to prevent excess moisture in your place of business is to thoroughly inspect your property for leaks and repair them. This can include the drain pipes of your heating and air conditioning system along with your plumbing system and fixtures.
It’s also important to pay attention to sources of humidity inside the building. Hot water, for example, creates a great deal of steam. If your business uses hot water for cooking or cleaning or in any part of a manufacturing process, make sure to use exhaust fans while the water is running (or boiling) and for at least fifteen minutes afterward as well.
By controlling the humidity in your place of business, you’ll also be preventing the growth of mildew and mold, which can be health hazards for your customers and employees.
